Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 section 68KH

Refusal or failure to participate in prescribed schemes, programmes or courses relating to jobseeker's pay-related benefit

Section 68KH sets out the penalties that apply when a person receiving Jobseeker's Pay-Related Benefit refuses to engage with prescribed employment, training or education programmes.

• Initial refusal to participate in prescribed schemes or courses without good cause results in a reduced weekly benefit rate.
• Continued refusal after receiving the reduced rate can lead to complete disqualification from benefit for up to 9 weeks.
• After a disqualification period ends, further refusals can trigger additional disqualification periods.
• All notices must be in writing, though electronic formats are also permitted.