New Jobseeker's Pay-Related Benefit launches March 31

A new social welfare payment called Jobseeker's Pay-Related Benefit (JPRB) will be introduced on March 31. This payment aims to assist those who have recently lost their jobs. Eligible applicants may receive up to double the standard Jobseeker's Benefit amount. The benefit amount depends on how much you earned before becoming unemployed. The details of this new payment have been shared by the Department of Social Protection. To qualify for JPRB, applicants must meet specific PRSI contribution conditions. This includes having paid PRSI contributions from insured employment. Different rules apply if you were receiving another benefit, like Maternity or Illness Benefit, when you lost your job. The traditional Jobseeker's Benefit will still be available for those who do not meet the JPRB eligibility criteria. There are varying payment rates based on the number of years of paid PRSI contributions. For example, if you have five years of contributions, you could receive the benefit for up to nine months. With two to five years of contributions, you can claim it for a maximum of six months. Applications for JPRB will open on March 31, 2025. More information on how to apply will be shared soon.