Who qualifies
- Fully unemployed on or after 31 March 2025 (your last day of work was on or after Friday 28 March 2025)
- Under 66, or under 70 if born after 1 January 1958 and not drawing your State Pension (Contributory)
- Capable of and available for full-time work, and seeking work
- Not retired
PRSI conditions (Class A, H or P):
- At least 104 paid PRSI employment contributions.
- At least 4 paid contributions (Class A or H) in the 10 weeks before you apply.
- At least 26 paid contributions (Class A or H) in the 52 weeks before your first day of unemployment.
Different conditions apply if you were on Illness, Maternity, Adoptive, Health and Safety or Carer's Benefit when you lost the job. Not enough contributions? Check Jobseeker's Allowance.
How much you get
Your rate is based on your average weekly gross earnings over the 12 months that end 8 weeks before you lost your job. The Department gets this directly from Revenue.
| PRSI record | Period | % of earnings | Weekly maximum |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5+ years (260+ contributions) | Weeks 1–13 | 60% | €450 |
| Weeks 14–26 | 55% | €375 | |
| Weeks 27–39 | 50% | €300 | |
| 2–5 years (104–259 contributions) | Weeks 1–26 | 50% | €300 |
| Any | Minimum rate | — | €125 (floor) |
Example of the reference period: lose your job on Monday 7 April 2025, and the Department looks back 8 weeks to 10 February 2025, then averages your earnings from 10 February 2024 to 10 February 2025.
If Jobseeker's Allowance would pay more (for example if you have dependants), you can choose it instead.
How long it lasts, and breaks
- Up to 39 weeks with 260+ contributions; up to 26 weeks with 104 to 259.
- You can break the claim for up to 13 weeks (for example a short job) and resume where you left off. A longer break closes the claim and your rate is recalculated.
- Time on any jobseeker's payment awarded after 31 March 2025 can reduce how long you can claim.
- Starting part-time work of up to 3 days? Close this claim and check Jobseeker's Benefit.
How to apply
- Verify your identity to SAFE Level 2. Quickest is the MyGovID app; otherwise go to an Intreo or PSC centre.
- Apply online on MyWelfare.ie with your verified MyGovID.
- Can't apply online? Go to your local Intreo Centre or Branch Office.
You will be expected to engage with Intreo Employment Services: help finding employers, upskilling or retraining, CV and interview support.
Frequently asked questions
What is Jobseeker's Pay-Related Benefit?
A payment linked to your previous earnings for people fully unemployed on or after 31 March 2025 (last day of work on or after 28 March 2025) who have enough PRSI contributions. It replaced Jobseeker's Benefit for the fully unemployed.
How much is Pay-Related Benefit?
With 5+ years of PRSI: 60% of your average gross earnings up to €450 for 13 weeks, then 55% up to €375 for 13 weeks, then 50% up to €300 for 13 weeks. With 2 to 5 years: 50% up to €300 for 26 weeks. The minimum is €125.
Is there a deadline to apply?
Yes. Apply within 6 weeks of losing your job, or your entitlement could be affected.
Does redundancy affect Pay-Related Benefit?
No. Getting a redundancy payment does not affect your eligibility.
Is Pay-Related Benefit taxable?
Yes. It is paid without tax deducted, and the Department tells Revenue the weekly taxable amount, so you do not have to do anything for the correct tax to be paid.
When is it paid?
Every Wednesday, at your nominated post office, starting from the full working week (Monday) after you lose your job.
Related guides
Which payment is right for me?
Compare all three.
Jobseeker's Allowance
If you do not have enough PRSI.
Verify your identity
SAFE Level 2 is needed before payment.
Sources: gov.ie: Jobseeker's Pay-Related Benefit. 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.