Which payment is for you?
There are three jobseeker's payments. The good news: if you were made redundant after working steadily, you'll usually get one of the first two, which are not means-tested (your savings and redundancy lump sum don't count).
Jobseeker's Pay-Related Benefit
For people who became fully unemployed on or after 31 March 2025 with a solid recent PRSI record. Your payment is a percentage of what you used to earn, so it's usually the highest, and it steps down over time. This is the one most newly-redundant workers get.
Jobseeker's Benefit
A flat weekly rate (up to €254 in 2026) for people with enough PRSI who don't come under the pay-related scheme. Not means-tested.
Jobseeker's Allowance
A safety net (up to €254 in 2026) for people who don't qualify for the above, for example not enough PRSI, or your benefit has run out. This one is means-tested, so income and savings are assessed.
Pay-Related Benefit calculator
Estimate your weekly Pay-Related Benefit and see how it steps down over the months.
Your estimated payment
Estimate only. There's a minimum payment of about €125/week and the caps above apply. Extra amounts may be added for a partner or children. Your exact payment is decided by the Department of Social Protection.
Jobseeker's Pay-Related Benefit: the detail
How much you get depends on your PRSI record, and it reduces in steps the longer you're claiming:
| If you have… | Period | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 5+ years PRSI | First 3 months | 60% of pay · max €450/wk |
| Next 3 months | 55% of pay · max €375/wk | |
| Final 3 months | 50% of pay · max €300/wk | |
| 2–5 years PRSI | Up to 6 months | 50% of pay · max €300/wk |
Who can get it: you became fully unemployed on or after 31 March 2025, and you have enough recent PRSI, broadly: 104 contributions in total, with at least 26 in the last year and 4 in the last 10 weeks. Your redundancy lump sum and savings don't affect it.
Jobseeker's Benefit: the detail
A flat weekly payment for people with enough PRSI who aren't on the pay-related scheme.
- How much: up to €254/week (2026), plus extra for a partner and for children (Child Support Payment €58 under 12, €78 aged 12+). You may get less if your previous weekly earnings were low.
- How long: up to 9 months (39 weeks) if you have 260+ paid PRSI contributions, otherwise up to 6 months.
- Means test: none, it's based on PRSI, not your savings.
Jobseeker's Allowance: the detail
The safety net if you don't qualify for the payments above, or your benefit has run out.
- How much: up to €254/week (2026), plus increases for a partner and children.
- How long: for as long as you qualify and keep meeting the conditions.
- Means test: yes, your income and savings are assessed. A large redundancy lump sum sitting in savings can reduce or rule out this payment (but not the two above).
When and how to claim
- 1Apply on day one. Claim as soon as you're unemployed, you're not paid for the first 3 days, so don't delay. Applying late can cost you money.
- 2Apply online. The quickest way is on MyWelfare.ie with a verified MyGovID. Pay-Related Benefit and Jobseeker's Benefit are both applied for there.
- 3Have your details ready. Your PPS number, bank (IBAN) details, and your redundancy/end-of-employment details. Your employer files your leaving date with Revenue.
- 4Need help? Your local Intreo Centre or a Citizens Information office will help you apply, for free.
First, make sure your redundancy payment is right:
Figures are 2026 rates and change from time to time (usually each January). This is a guide, not an official decision. Confirm your payment with the Department of Social Protection or Citizens Information.