New Jobseeker’s Pay-Related Benefit Scheme Commences

• People with strong work history to receive up to €450 per week if they lose their jobs
• Applications are now open for the new scheme launching today
• New scheme is a fundamental reform of the Social Welfare system

The Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary TD, has today welcomed the introduction of the new Jobseeker’s Pay-Related Benefit scheme which commences today, 31 March.

This new scheme replaces the existing Jobseeker’s Benefit for people who become fully unemployed and who meet the contribution conditions for the scheme. It is open to applications from people whose first day of unemployment is on or after 31 March 2025. Applications need to be made within six weeks of a person losing their job.

Pay-Related Benefit means that the amount of benefit a person receives is linked to their previous earnings, subject to maximum and minimum rates of payment. The introduction of the new Jobseeker’s Pay-Related Benefit brings Ireland in line with other EU countries and represents a fundamental reform of the Social Welfare System.

Payment rates under the new scheme are as follows:

• The weekly rate of payment for people who have at least five years paid PRSI contributions is set at 60% of previous earnings, subject to a maximum of €450 for the first 13 weeks. 
• After that, the rate will be 55% of earnings, subject to a maximum of €375 for the following 13 weeks.
• A further 13 weeks will be paid at the rate of 50% of previous earnings, up to a maximum €300 payment.
• For people who have between two and five years paid PRSI contributions, the rate is set at 50% of previous earnings subject to a maximum of €300 per week and 26 weeks’ duration.
• A weekly minimum rate of €125 will apply.

The best way to apply for the scheme is through MyWelfare.ie. Alternatively, people may apply through their local Intreo Centre or Branch Office.

Commenting today, Minister Calleary said:

“Today’s announcement fulfils a key commitment in the Programme for Government.

If you lose your job the sudden loss in income can be difficult to adjust to. The Jobseeker’s Pay-Related Benefit will help people during this period of uncertainty while they seek new employment.

I encourage anyone who has lost their job and who meets the conditions for this new scheme to make an application through MyWelfare.ie.”

The existing Jobseeker’s Benefit scheme is being retained for people already in receipt of Jobseeker’s Benefit and for people who may not be eligible for the new scheme because they are working on a part-time, casual, short-time or seasonal basis. Self-employed people continue to be supported under the current Jobseeker’s Benefit (Self-Employed) scheme.

Further information on Jobseeker’s Pay Related Benefit is available at www.gov.ie/JPRB.

Key features of the new Jobseeker’s Pay-Related Benefit scheme include:

• In order to qualify for the benefit, a person must have at least 104 employment or optional contributions in the period since entering insurance, at least 4 employment contributions in the 10 weeks immediately prior to the date the application for benefit is made; and at least 26 employment contributions in the 52 weeks immediately prior to the first week for which they are claiming benefit.
• The scheme is available to people who become fully unemployed on or after 31 March 2025. This means that their last day of employment must be on or after Friday 28 March 2025.
• People who became unemployed before 31 March can apply for the existing Jobseeker's Benefit scheme. People who are in receipt of Jobseeker's Benefit on 31 March 2025 will remain on that payment until they return to employment, subject to the normal rules of that scheme.
• People can apply for the means-tested Jobseeker’s Allowance scheme if they do not meet the contribution conditions for Jobseeker’s Pay-Related Benefit or if it would be more financially beneficial for them to do so.
• Where a person has a verified MyGovID account, they can apply online for the scheme on MyWelfare.ie. If they have a basic MyGovID account and a Public Services Card, they can verify their account on MyGovID.ie.
• If a person is unable to apply online, they can also apply for Jobseeker’s Pay-Related Benefit by going to their local Intreo Centre or Branch Office.