Jobseeker's Allowance

Who qualifies

• Over 18 and under 66
• You pass a means test
• You are habitually resident in Ireland (you live here and have close links to Ireland)
• You are capable of work, available for full-time work and genuinely seeking work
• You are fully or partly unemployed: at least 4 days out of work in every 7 (this condition does not apply to the self-employed)
• Your identity is verified to SAFE Level 2 before payment (see Public Services Card)

It is also the payment for people who qualify for a benefit but choose optional Jobseeker's Allowance because it pays more.

Jobseeker's Allowance rates

These are maximums. If the means test finds income or savings, the rate is reduced.

Under 25 but on the full €254 rate

You get the full rate at 18 to 24 if any of these apply: you have a qualified child; you move directly from Disability Allowance; you are on Back to Education Allowance; you were in the care of the HSE or Tusla in the 12 months before turning 18; or you live independently and get Rent Supplement, HAP, RAS, local authority housing or housing from certain Approved Housing Bodies.

How the means test works

The Department adds up all household income, savings, shares, investments and property (except your own home), including your spouse, civil partner or cohabitant's income, and works out your weekly means. That figure reduces your rate.

• Not counted: child maintenance.
• Rent-a-room: up to €269.23 a week (€14,000 a year) from renting rooms in your home is disregarded.
• If your partner gets Pay-Related Benefit, half of that payment is assessed as means.
• Claims are reviewed every 13 weeks.

How to apply

1. Online: on MyWelfare.ie with a verified MyGovID. See MyWelfare and MyGovID.
2. In person: at your local Intreo Centre or Branch Office.
3. By post: email [email protected] for form UP1.

Bring: identification (Public Services Card, passport or driving licence), proof of address (a utility bill or government letter) and evidence of income, including bank statements. You can start the claim without every document, but you will not get a decision until they are all in.

Repeat claim within 12 months of your last one: use form UP6.

Getting paid and keeping the payment

• Paid weekly in arrears to your local post office, or to your bank if you work part-time or are over 62.
• Starting part-time or casual work? Your employer completes form UP80, which you return to your Intreo office, and you declare your days on MyWelfare. See signing on.
• Over 62? You do not have to meet a case officer or sign on in person.
• Going abroad: you can be absent 2 weeks a calendar year and be paid when you return, if you tell the Department first.

Disagree with the decision? Appeal within 60 days: how to appeal. Questions: National Intreo Contact Centre, 0818 405060.

Frequently asked questions

How much is Jobseeker's Allowance?

Up to €254 a week if you are 25 or over, single and have no means. Most people aged 18 to 24 get up to €163.70, unless an exception applies. A qualified adult adds up to €168.60, and each child €58 (under 12) or €78 (12 and over).

What counts in the means test?

All household income, savings, shares, investments and property except your own home, including your spouse, civil partner or cohabitant's income. Child maintenance is no longer counted.

Can I work and get Jobseeker's Allowance?

Yes, up to 3 days a week, and you may still be paid for the other days. Your employer fills in form UP80, and you declare your days worked on MyWelfare or with paper dockets.

How do I apply for Jobseeker's Allowance?

Online on MyWelfare.ie with a verified MyGovID, at your local Intreo Centre or Branch Office, or by requesting the paper form UP1 from [email protected].

When is Jobseeker's Allowance paid?

Weekly in arrears, to your local post office, unless you work part-time or are over 62, in which case it goes into your bank account.

How do I make a repeat claim?

If your last claim was less than 12 months ago, use the repeat claim form UP6.

Related guides

Sources: gov.ie: Jobseeker's Allowance. Intreo Offices is independent and not affiliated with the Department of Social Protection. Rates and rules change: confirm on gov.ie or MyWelfare.ie before you act.