Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 section 68J

Refusal or failure to participate in prescribed schemes, programmes or courses relating to jobseeker's benefit (self-employed)

Section 68J sets out the consequences for self-employed jobseekers who refuse to participate in prescribed employment schemes or training courses without good cause.

• Following an assessment, individuals may be asked to participate in employment schemes or training courses suited to their circumstances
• Refusal without good cause results in a reduced weekly rate of jobseeker's benefit (self-employed)
• Continued refusal after a further notice leads to complete disqualification from benefit for up to 9 weeks
• The cycle of reduced rates and disqualification can be reapplied if non-compliance continues after the disqualification period ends