How to apply
Application Form
Please download and complete the application form. You will also need to download the Eligibility Form and have it completed. It is recommended that you download and read Your Questions Answered too.
- Application Form in pdf format (278Kb)
- Eligibility Form in pdf format (157Kb)
- Your Questions Answered in pdf format (312Kb)
Who is eligible?
An applicant for VTOS must be at least 21 years of age and getting one of the following payments for at least six months (156 days):
- Jobseeker's Benefit
- Jobseeker's Assistance
- One-Parent Family Payment
- Invalidity Pension
- Disability Allowance
- Disability Benefit
Persons signing for credits for at least six months, and the Dependent Spouse of an eligible person are also eligible.
(* People in Disability Benefit should in the first instance contact their local Social Welfare Officer about exemption/entitlement to the continuation of their Disability Benefit Payment)
Periods spent on FAS Training Courses, Community Employment Schemes, Jobs Initiative, and Youthreach, or time in Prison, can count towards this six-month qualifying period but a person must be getting one of the relevant social welfare payments immediately before the course commencement date.
The following categories are also eligible to apply for VTOS provided they are at least 21 years of age and can satisfy the Department of Social Protection that they have not been engaged in work for at least six months, and are in receipt of one of the following payments:
- Blind Persons Pension
- Deserted Wife's Allowance
- Deserted wife's Benefit
- Widow/er's non-contributory pension
- Widow/er's contributory pension
- Prisoner's Wife's Allowance
Page last updated on
20-03-2013 at 10:31:35
