Jobseeker's Benefit

Jobseeker's Benefit is a non-means tested weekly unemployment payment based on your Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI) contributions. If you have been in employment for a number of years, you are probably entitled to Jobseekers’ Benefit. If you don’t qualify for Jobseeker’s Benefit, you may qualify for Jobseeker’s Allowance.

Jobseeker's Benefit can be paid for a maximum of 12 months to:

• New claimants who have at least 260 paid contributions
• People getting Jobseeker’s Benefit for less than 6 months on 15 October 2008 who have at least 260 paid contributions.

Jobseeker's Benefit can be paid for a maximum of 9 months to:

• New claimants who have less than 260 paid contributions
• People getting Jobseeker’s Benefit for less than 3 months on 15 October 2008 who have less than 260 paid contributions.

Your savings, investments, property/land (not including your own home) and redundancy settlement received will not affect your payment.  You may receive an additional payment for your partner/spouse and for any dependant children up to the age of 18 (or 22 if in full-time education). Any monies earned by your partner/spouse could affect the payment you receive for them.

While you are awaiting payment of the Jobseeker’s Benefit you may qualify for Supplementary Welfare Allowance.  Click here for further information on the Supplementary Welfare Allowance.

For more detailed information on the qualifying criteria, rates, the means test and how to apply Jobseeker’s Benefit, click here to be redirected to the Department of Social Protection website.