THOUSANDS of people across Ireland could be eligible to receive a new €450 payment that opened up for applications today.
The New Jobseeker’s Pay-Related Benefit Scheme has been described as a “major reform” of Ireland’s social protection system.
The cash, which replaces the Jobseeker’s Benefit scheme, is open to applications from people whose first day of unemployment is on or after today’s date.
This means that their last day of employment must have been on or after Friday, March 28.
The Jobseeker’s Pay-Related Benefit Scheme is designed to work as a “safety net” for anyone with a long work and PRSI contribution history that is currently unemployed.
The minimum weekly payment rate sits at €125 but people with a strong work history can seek up to €450 if they lose their job.
Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary said today he is “delighted” to introduce the new cash boost.
The Fianna Fail TD continued: “We absolutely understand that if you lose a job, the sudden loss of income can be incredibly difficult to adjust to.
“The New Jobseeker’s Pay-Related Benefit Scheme is designed to help people during this period of uncertainty whilst they are seeking new employment.
“This is a commitment in the Programme for Government, and I am delighted to deliver on that commitment today.”
Pay-related benefit means that a person’s rate of payment will be linked to their previous earnings, subject to maximum and minimal rates.
The weekly rate of payment for people on the new scheme who have at least five years paid PRSI contributions will be set at 60 per cent of previous earnings, subject to a maximum of €450 for the first three months.
After that, the rate will reduce to 55 per cent of earnings, subject to a maximum of €375 for the following three months.
A further three months will be paid at the rate of 50 per cent, up to a maximum €300 payment.
For people who have between two and five years paid contributions, the rate will be set at 50 per cent of previous earnings subject to a maximum for €300 per week and 6 months’ duration.
A minimum weekly payment of €125 will apply.
KEY FEATURES OF NEW SCHEME
THE new Jobseeker’s Pay-Related Benefit scheme is available to people who become fully unemployed on or after March 31 2025.
Some of the key points to note about the scheme include:
- In order to qualify, a person must have at least 104 PRSI contributions since entering insurance, at least four employment contributions in the 10 weeks before the date of application and 26 employment contributions in the year prior to the first claim week
- People who became unemployed before 31 March can apply for the existing Jobseeker’s Benefit scheme.
- People who are in receipt of Jobseeker’s Benefit on 31 March 2025 will remain on that payment until they return to employment, subject to the normal rules of that scheme.
- People can apply for Jobseeker’s Allowance if they don’t meet the conditions for Jobseeker’s Pay-Related Benefit or if it would be more financially beneficial for them to do so.
- Where a person has a verified MyGovID account, they can apply online for the scheme on MyWelfare.ie.
- If they have a basic MyGovID account and a Public Services Card, they can verify their account on MyGovID.ie.
- If a person is unable to apply online, they can also apply for Jobseeker’s Pay-Related Benefit by going to their local Intreo Centre or Branch Office.
Self-employed people will continue to be catered for under the current Jobseeker’s Benefit Scheme.
General secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, Owen Reidy today said policies protecting household spending will be “vital” for impacted workers and economies as Ireland gears up for a trade war.
He added: “For too long workers have been left to suffer a collapse in income after losing their job.
“Only four EU27 members states – Ireland along with Greece, Malta and Poland – pay a flat-rate [€244] payment to recently unemployed workers. That’s about to change.
“Across the rest of the EU, it is standard practice for contributory welfare payment rates to be linked to a worker’s previous earnings, to allow workers continue to pay their bills and protect their normal living standards in the short-term while looking for a new job.”
PARENTS UP NEXT
And parents across Ireland are next in line for a new targeted pay-related benefit scheme, it has been revealed.
Calleary said earlier today: “We have also committed to exploring other schemes where this model will work and we are beginning some work on that”.
Parent’s benefit is currently paid when a person who has enough PRSI contributions is on parent’s leave from work.
The standard weekly rate currently sits at €289 per week and the payment can run for a maximum of nine weeks – as long as the person’s child is under two years old.
The leave can be taken all at once or in separate weeks.
The Government has committed to introducing a pay-related parent’s benefit in the Programme for Government and it is understood that the scheme is next in line.
