Jobseeker's Pay-Related Benefit
Up to 60% of your old gross weekly wage, capped at €450 a week for the first 13 weeks, then stepping down.
Last checked July 2026
What it is
A newer jobseeker's payment linked to what you used to earn, rather than a flat rate, for people whose first day of unemployment was on or after 31 March 2025. With at least 5 years of PRSI it pays 60% of your previous gross weekly earnings (up to €450) for the first 13 weeks, then 55% (up to €375), then 50% (up to €300). With 2 to 5 years of PRSI it pays 50% (up to €300) for 26 weeks. The minimum is €125 a week. You must be fully unemployed, under 66, and available for full-time work.
Who can get it
- Your first day of unemployment was on or after 31 March 2025
- You are under 66, fully unemployed and available for full time work
- You have enough PRSI paid, the rate depends on whether you have 2 to 5 years or 5 years and over
- With 5 years or more of PRSI it is 60% of gross earnings up to €450 a week for 13 weeks, then 55% up to €375, then 50% up to €300.
- With 2 to 5 years of PRSI it is 50% up to €300 a week for 26 weeks.
- There is a minimum payment of €125 a week, so it does not fall below that no matter what you earned.
How to apply
Applications go through DSP. The official page has the full eligibility rules and the application itself.
Go to the official page →Checked against the official source on 26 July 2026. Always confirm the details on the official page before applying.
Questions people ask
How much is Jobseeker's Pay-Related Benefit?
For the first 13 weeks it is 60% of your gross weekly earnings up to a maximum of €450, if you have 5 years or more of PRSI. It then steps down to 55% up to €375, then 50% up to €300. The minimum is €125 a week.
Who can get Pay-Related Benefit?
You need your first day of unemployment to fall on or after 31 March 2025, and you must be under 66, fully unemployed and available for full time work, with enough PRSI paid.
How is it different from Jobseeker's Benefit?
Jobseeker's Benefit is a flat rate. Pay-Related Benefit is worked out as a share of what you were actually earning, so a higher earner gets a higher payment for the first stretch.
How long does Pay-Related Benefit last?
With 5 years or more of PRSI it runs across three bands over the first several months. With 2 to 5 years of PRSI it is 26 weeks at 50% of earnings up to €300 a week.
Related guides
- Carer's Allowance
- Carer's Support Grant
- Carer's Benefit
- Fuel Allowance
- MyFutureFund (Auto-Enrolment Retirement Savings)
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