Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 section 68I

Refusal or failure to attend activation meetings relating to jobseeker's benefit (self-employed)

Section 68I sets out the Minister's powers to require self-employed jobseeker's benefit claimants to attend meetings or assessments, and the consequences of non-compliance.

• The Minister may issue a notice requiring a self-employed jobseeker's benefit claimant to attend an information meeting about employment opportunities or undergo an assessment of their education and training needs.
• Failure to comply without good cause results in a reduced rate of benefit (sections 68E(2) or 68F(2)).
• If non-compliance continues for at least 21 days, a further notice may be issued; continued refusal after this second notice leads to complete disqualification from benefit for up to 9 weeks.
• Following the disqualification period, the entire process may be repeated if the claimant continues to refuse compliance; all notices must be in writing but may also be issued electronically.