Some Information on Job Seekers Benefit

Means Test: Jobseeker’s Benefit is NOT a means tested payment. This means that any savings, investments, property (other than your own home), income from employment or self-employment that you or your spouse, civil partner or cohabitant have can / will NOT affect any rate of Jobseeker’s Benefit you may qualify for. However, if you are claiming an increase for a Qualified Adult (IQA) for your spouse, civil partner, or cohabitant, any income they have from employment or self-employment could affect the rate of payment you receive for them.

PRSI Contributions: Jobseeker’s Benefit is based on PRSI contributions. To qualify for a Jobseeker’s Benefit payment, you must have the required number of PRSI contributions.

Genuinely Seeking Work: To qualify for a Jobseeker’s Benefit payment you may be required to provide information / details of your efforts to seek and find work to the Department of Social Protection. You must be Genuinely Seeking Work (GSW) to qualify for, and continue to receive, a Jobseeker’s Benefit payment.

Activation/Engagement: You will be required to engage with any appointed DSP Case Officer or any other service providers you are referred to by the Department of Social Protection.

Time Limit: Jobseeker’s Benefit is a time-limited payment. You can receive Jobseeker’s Benefit for a 6 or 9 month period, depending on your PRSI contributions. You must be able to show that you are Genuinely Seeking Work (GSW) during the period you receive Jobseeker’s Benefit from the Department of Social Protection.

Rate of Payment: The rate of Jobseeker’s Benefit you may qualify to receive could be affected by your average weekly earnings before you claimed the payment. If you have earned €300 or more, you should qualify for the maximum rate of payment. If you have earned less, you may receive a lower rate of payment.

Redundancy: If you were made redundant prior to your claim for Jobseeker’s Benefit, the amount of weeks that you are paid Jobseeker’s Benefit may be affected. If you received less than €50,000 in a redundancy payment you will not be subject to any reduction in the number of weeks of payment.

Jobseeker’s Allowance: If your Jobseeker’s Benefit has stopped because your claim has exhausted, i.e. you have reached the 6 or 9 month limit on the claim, you may be able to apply for Jobseeker’s Allowance.