Government unemployment payment
If you lose your job, are made redundant, laid off or if you’re working hours are reduced you may qualify for a social welfare payment, either Jobseeker’s Allowance or Jobseeker’s Benefit. When you apply for a jobseeker’s payment you declare that you are available for work, fit for work, genuinely seeking work but unable to find work. This is also known as signing on.
Jobseeker’s Benefit
Jobseeker’s Benefit is a weekly payment from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP) to people who are out of work and are covered by social insurance (PRSI). If you don’t qualify for Jobseeker’s Benefit you may qualify for Jobseeker’s Allowance.
Jobseeker’s allowance
You may get Jobseeker’s Allowance if you don’t qualify for Jobseeker’s Benefit or if you have used up your entitlement to Jobseeker’s Benefit. In some cases, if you are only entitled to a reduced rate of Jobseeker’s Benefit you may be better off on Jobseeker’s Allowance. (This is known as Optional JA.) However, Jobseeker’s Allowance is means-tested, and your means must be below a certain level to qualify.
| Age | Weekly rate |
| 25 or over | €220 |
| 18-24 and living independently | €220 |
| 18-24 and not living independently | €129.70 |
Work injury benefits
Injury Benefit is one of the benefits available under the Occupational Injuries Benefit Scheme. It is a weekly payment made to you if you are unfit for work due to:
- An accident at work
- An accident while travelling (on an unbroken journey) directly to or from work
- An occupational disease
Injury Benefit is not paid for the first 6 days of your illness or incapacity. Payment can be made for up to 26 weeks starting from the date of your accident or development of the disease.
| Injury Benefit | Weekly rate |
| Personal rate | €203.00 |
| Increase for a Qualified Adult | €134.70 |