Ireland is preparing to launch a brand-new unemployment benefit called the Jobseeker’s Pay-Related Benefit, starting from 31 March 2025. This new plan is meant to help people who lose their jobs by giving them money based on how much they used to earn while working. It’s different from the old system, which gave the same amount to everyone no matter how much they earned before.
The government wants this new system to give better help during the first few months of unemployment. At the same time, it encourages people to look for new jobs. Payments will start higher and slowly go down over time, pushing people to return to work when possible. This way, people get strong support when they need it most.
The highest payment will be €450 per week for the first 3 months. To get this new benefit, people must have paid into Ireland’s PRSI (Pay-Related Social Insurance) system for a certain amount of time. Only those who become unemployed on or after 31 March 2025 can apply for this new benefit.
Understanding the New Jobseeker Payment
The Jobseeker’s Pay-Related Benefit is a new system replacing the flat-rate Jobseeker’s Benefit. It helps people who lose their jobs by giving them money based on what they used to earn. This helps people who had higher expenses when they were working.
Main Features:
- Starts on 31 March 2025.
- Payment depends on your previous income and PRSI history.
- Higher payments if you’ve worked and contributed for more years.
- Minimum payment is €125 per week.
- The payment reduces in steps over time.
Who Can Get This Benefit?
You must meet a few conditions to apply for this payment:
- You lost your job on or after 31 March 2025 (last workday on or after 28 March 2025).
- You are under 66 years old (or under 70 if born after 1 January 1958 and not getting a State Pension).
- You are ready and looking for full-time work.
- You have enough PRSI contributions under Class A, H, or P.
PRSI Contribution Requirements
To qualify, you need to meet three PRSI-related conditions:
1. Long-Term Contributions:
- Must have at least 104 paid PRSI contributions (about 2 years of work) under Class A, H, or P.
2. Recent Work:
- Must have paid at least 4 PRSI contributions in the 10 weeks before applying.
3. Contributions in Last Year:
- Must have paid 26 PRSI contributions in the 52 weeks before becoming unemployed.
If you were on Illness Benefit or Maternity Benefit when you lost your job, special rules might apply. These will be explained by the government before the scheme begins.
Payment Breakdown: How Much Will You Get?
Payments will be made weekly and follow a tiered structure based on how long you’ve contributed to PRSI and your past wages.
The idea is to give more help at the start and slowly reduce it so that people are encouraged to get back to work.
How and When to Apply
Applications are not open yet, but here’s what you need to know:
- Applications will start closer to 31 March 2025.
- If you’re already receiving Jobseeker’s Benefit, you will continue with the current scheme until it ends.
- New applicants must show details of past work and PRSI payments.
Until then, anyone who loses their job can still apply for the existing Jobseeker’s Benefit.