Ireland is rolling out a new jobseeker support plan from 31 March 2025 called the Jobseeker’s Pay-Related Benefit. This new benefit is created to help unemployed individuals by giving them payments that depend on their past income, rather than a fixed flat rate like older systems. It aims to offer better support to those who’ve been earning more, while still protecting those with lower earnings.
This new system introduces a tiered payment structure that starts high and decreases every few months. The plan is to support jobseekers when they first lose work, but also motivate them to return to employment quickly. The highest possible payment is €450 per week for the first three months. After that, the amount is gradually reduced.
To get this new benefit, a person must meet some requirements, especially in terms of PRSI (Pay-Related Social Insurance) contributions. Only those who become unemployed from 31 March 2025 onwards can apply. In this article, we explain who qualifies, how the payments work, and how to prepare for application.
Understanding the New Jobseeker Benefit
The Jobseeker’s Pay-Related Benefit replaces the current flat-rate Jobseeker’s Benefit for people who lose their job starting 31 March 2025. The biggest change is that the payment will now match a person’s previous salary levels. Those who earned more and contributed to PRSI longer will get more money, especially in the first few months after job loss.
Here’s what makes it different:
- Payments are based on past income.
- More years of PRSI contributions lead to higher payments.
- Payments reduce every few months in steps.
- The least amount a person can get is €125 weekly.
- Only new jobseekers from 31 March 2025 can apply.
This change is meant to give strong financial help early on while still encouraging people to find work quickly.
Who Is Allowed to Apply?
To apply for this new benefit, you must meet the following:
- You lost your job on or after 31 March 2025 (last working day after 28 March).
- You’re under 66 years old (or under 70 if born after 1 January 1958 and not on a State Pension).
- You’re actively looking for full-time work.
- You have enough PRSI contributions under Class A, H, or P.
PRSI Contribution Rules You Must Follow
There are three key PRSI contribution conditions that must be met:
1. Long-Term Contribution Requirement
You need at least 104 PRSI contributions in total under Class A, H, or P. This equals about two years of full-time work.
2. Recent Contribution Requirement
You must have made at least 4 contributions in the 10 weeks before you apply for the benefit.
3. Contribution in Past Year
You need to have paid at least 26 contributions in the last 52 weeks before you became unemployed.
Note: If you were on another welfare payment (like Illness or Maternity Benefit) when you lost your job, there may be special rules for you. The government will give more updates on this before the program starts.
Where and How Will You Get Paid?
Payments will be made every week. At the beginning, you may need to collect the money from a local post office. However, the government may offer direct bank transfers as another option when the plan officially launches.
How and When Can You Apply?
The application process will open closer to 31 March 2025. Right now, exact steps are not available, but you should start getting ready. When applications do begin, you will likely need:
- Proof of your last job and earnings
- Your PRSI contribution history
- Personal ID and payment details
If you’re currently getting Jobseeker’s Benefit, you will continue on the old plan until it ends.