Social Welfare boost for thousands across Ireland as €450 weekly payment now available

Thousands of Irish people receiving social welfare payments could be eligible for a new beefed up jobseekers payment that launched today.

The €450-a-week Pay-Related Benefit payment will be paid to jobseekers who have "a strong work history" with the payment amount linked to their previous salary. 

The scheme was introduced earlier this year by Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys and kicks in from today, March 31, 2025. 

Who is eligible?

The scheme will be available to persons who become fully unemployed after the commencement of the scheme. The amount will depend upon an individual's PRSI contributions in the previous five years.

To qualify for the benefit, a person must have at least 104 employment contributions since entering insurance, at least 4 employment contributions in the 10 weeks immediately prior to the application for benefit, and at least 26 employment contributions in the 52 weeks immediately prior to the first week for which they are claiming benefit.

The weekly rate of payment for people who have at least 5 years paid PRSI contributions will be set at 60% of previous earnings, subject to a maximum of €450 for the first 3 months.

After that, the rate will reduce to 55% of earnings, subject to a maximum of €375 for the following 3 months. A further 3 months will be paid at the rate of 50%, up to a maximum €300 payment.

For people who have between 2 and 5 years paid contributions, the rate will be set at 50% of previous earnings subject to a maximum for €300 per week and 6 month’s duration.

People who lose their job before that date will be remain entitled to the existing Jobseeker’s Benefit.

Speaking at the time, Minister Humphreys said: 

Commenting today, Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary TD said: “Today’s announcement fulfils a key commitment in the Programme for Government.”

“If you lose your job the sudden loss in income can be difficult to adjust to. The Jobseeker’s Pay-Related Benefit will help people during this period of uncertainty while they seek new employment.”

“I encourage anyone who has lost their job and who meets the conditions for this new scheme to make an application through MyWelfare.ie.”

Further information on Jobseeker’s Pay Related Benefit is available by clicking here.

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