Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 section 141B

Refusal or failure to participate in prescribed schemes, programmes or courses relating to jobseeker's allowance

Section 141B sets out the escalating consequences for jobseekers who refuse or fail, without good cause, to participate in prescribed employment schemes or training courses following an assessment of their needs.

• Initial refusal to participate in a suitable scheme or course results in a reduced weekly rate of jobseeker's allowance.
• A person already on a reduced payment may be required to attend a further assessment or asked again to participate in a scheme.
• Continued refusal without good cause leads to complete disqualification from jobseeker's allowance for up to 9 weeks.
• After the disqualification period ends, the process can recommence if the person continues to refuse or fail to engage.