People aged 18 and over and who are unemployed in Ireland can apply for either the Jobseeker's Allowance or the Jobseeker's Benefit. They are both paid by the Department of Social and the Family Affairs.
However, unemployment benefits don't allow you to survive in Dublin. The standard payment is €193 per week.
There are more benefits available to unemployed people, usually on a special or specific basis. These benefits include the Rent Supplement, the Mortgage Interest Supplement, Fuel Allowance and the Smokeless Fuel Allowance, among others.
Who is Eligible for Unemployment in Ireland
To qualify for Jobseeker's Benefit you must be:
- Aged under 66
- Be unemployed (you must be fully unemployed or unemployed for at least 4 days out of 7)
- Have had a substantial loss of employment and as a result be unemployed for at least 4 days out of 7
- Be capable of work
- Be available for and genuinely seeking work
- Have enough social insurance (PRSI) contributions
You can read more about the conditions for getting a jobseeker's payment and about the employment services the Department of Social Protection offers to jobseekers.
How and Where to Apply for Unemployment in Ireland
You should apply for Jobseeker's Benefit the first day you become unemployed to your Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office. See the complete list of centres here.
It is important to apply on the first day you become unemployed because you will not get paid for the first 3 days of your claim. Jobseeker's Benefit application forms are available online.
You will also need certain documents when you apply for Jobseeker's Benefit. If you do not have these documents to hand, you should apply anyway and supply them later. You should remember that delay in applying for Jobseeker's Benefit may mean that you lose out on your full entitlements.
You can get help to fill in your application form at your Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office.
If you think you have been wrongly refused Jobseeker's Benefit you can appeal the decision.
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