Apply for Jobseeker’s Benefit or Jobseeker’s Allowance

Lost your job or your hours? This guide shows which jobseeker's payment fits you, what you get in 2026 and 2027, and how to claim on MyWelfare.

You apply for a jobseeker's payment online at MyWelfare.ie or at your local Intreo Centre. It is free, and you should apply on the first day you are out of work.

Which payment is for you

There are three jobseeker's payments. Benefit depends on the PRSI (Pay Related Social Insurance) you paid through work. Allowance depends on a means test of your household income and savings.

• For all three you must be capable of work, available for full-time work and looking for it.
• Jobseeker's Benefit needs at least 104 weeks of paid PRSI since you started work, plus enough PRSI in 2024 if you claim in 2026.
• Jobseeker's Pay-Related Benefit needs 104 paid contributions, with 26 paid in the 52 weeks before you lost your job.
• Jobseeker's Allowance needs you to pass a means test and the habitual residence condition, which looks at how long you have lived in Ireland.

What you need

• A verified MyGovID account to apply online.
• Your PPS number (Personal Public Service number).
• Photo ID: Public Services Card, passport or driving licence.
• Proof of address, such as a utility bill or a letter from a government department.
• Your work history and the date you last worked.
• Details of any income, savings or investments for you and your partner (for Allowance).
• Details of your children and partner if you claim for them.

Apply even if a document is missing, because a late claim can cost you money. The Department of Social Protection will not make a decision until you send everything.

Step by step

1. Get a verified MyGovID account at mygovid.ie, or verify your identity at an Intreo Centre.
2. Go to the jobseeker's page on MyWelfare.ie and click Apply now.
3. Answer the eligibility questions. They send you to the right payment: Pay-Related Benefit, Benefit or Allowance.
4. Fill in your details, work history, time living in Ireland and, for Allowance, your household finances.
5. Upload your supporting documents and submit the claim.
6. Go to any meeting Intreo arranges. An adviser may agree a plan with you for finding work or training.
7. Sign on when asked. This usually means signing a declaration each month that you are still out of work.
8. Collect your payment each week at your chosen post office with your Public Services Card.

No MyGovID? Use paper form UP1, or UP6 if your last claim ended less than 6 months ago. Get one from an Intreo Centre or email Jobseekersforms@welfare.ie.

How much you get and for how long

This payment started on 31 March 2025 and pays at least €125 a week, with no extra for dependants. With 5 years of PRSI it then pays 55% (up to €375) in weeks 14 to 26 and 50% (up to €300) in weeks 27 to 39. With 2 to 5 years it pays 50%, up to €300, for 26 weeks.

Common mistakes

• Waiting to apply. The first 3 days are unpaid, and a late claim can reduce what you get. Apply for Pay-Related Benefit within 6 weeks of losing your job.
• Working while on Pay-Related Benefit. You cannot work at all on it. Check if Benefit or Allowance fits part-time work instead.
• Not telling Intreo when you start work. You must report any job, even part-time.
• Missing your signing-on day. Your payment is suspended if you miss it and the day after.
• Forgetting the Allowance option. If you have dependants, check if Jobseeker's Allowance would pay more than Pay-Related Benefit.

Related guides

• How to get a verified MyGovID
• How to get a PPS number
• How to get a Public Services Card
• How to apply for the State Pension (Contributory)