Unemployed/Jobseeker

There are two Jobseekers payments available to unemployed people. These are called Jobseeker's Benefit and Jobseeker's Allowance. Please look at the conditions below to identify which of those may apply to you if you are unemployed.

Jobseeker's Benefit:

  • Jobseekers Benefit is a non-means tested payment based on your PRSI Contributions ('stamps') when you were working
  • If you have been made Redundant and have received a statutory redundancy payment you may qualify for Jobseekers Benefit
  • If you have lost your job, but have not received a statutory redundancy payment, you may qualify for Jobseekers Benefit.
  • Jobseekers Benefit is paid at a flat-rate. You will not receive any additional monies in relation to your rate of pay while you were working
  • Jobseekers Beneift is not means tested. Your savings, investments, property/land (not including your own home) and redundancy settlement recieved will not affect your payment
  • You may receive an additional payment for your partner/spouse. Any monies earned by your partner/spouse could affect the payment you recieve for them
  • You may receive an additional payment for any dependant children up to the age of 18 ( or 22 if in full-time education)
  • Self-employed people usually do not qualify for Jobseekers Benefit. The class of PRSI contribution they paid while self-employed does not normally qualify them for Jobseeker's Benefit.

If you think you may qualify for this payment, click here for more information on Jobseeker's Benefit

If you qualify for Jobseeker's Benefit you may also qualify for Rent Supplement, Mortgage Interest Supplement or Medical Card

 

Jobseeker's Allowance:

  • Jobseekers Allowance is a means-tested unemployment payment normally made when an applicant does not have enough PRSI contributions to qualify for Jobseeker's Benefit
  • If you have lost your job, and have not recieved a statutory redundancy payment and did not qualify for Jobseeker's Benefit, you may qualify for Jobseekers Allowance.
  • If you were self-employed, and were not entitled to Jobseekers Benefit, you may qualify for Jobseeker's Allowance
  • If you have used-up your entitlement to Jobseeker's Benefit you may qualify for Jobseeker's Allowance
  • If you are a school leaver (over 18), have been out of school for over 3 months and have been unable to find a job you may qualify for Jobseekers Allowance
  • Jobseekers Allowance is a means tested. Your savings, investments and any property/land (not including your own home) may affect your payment
  • You may receive an additional payment for your partner/spouse. Any monies earned by your partner/spouse could affect your payment and any payment you recieve for them
  • You may receive an additional payment for any dependant children up to the age of 18 ( or 22 if in full-time education)

If you think you may qualify for this payment, click here for more information on Jobseeker's Allowance.

If you qualify for Jobseeker's Allowance you may also qualify for Rent Supplement, Mortgage Interest Supplement or Medical Card