It has been confirmed that four key groups cannot apply for a newly rolled out social welfare payment.
Jobseeker's Pay-Related Benefit was introduced at the end of March, with applicants eligible to claim up to €450 a week.
However, there has been confirmation that four groups cannot claim the payment - with no plans to change this.
When asked by Sinn Fein TD Louise O'Reilly if he is aware that seasonal, casual, short-time or part-time workers such as school caretakers and secretaries are unable to apply for the new payment, Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary said that he is.
He said: "The origin of this payment is the experience during the Covid period, when many workers lost their incomes suddenly and without warning. The PUP, which was pay-related, helped to cushion the income shock.
"The jobseeker's pay-related benefit extends the same principle to people who lose their income unexpectedly."
He added: " The legislation underpinning the scheme specifically provides that specific categories of atypical workers are excluded from the jobseeker's pay-related benefit.
"These exclusions apply to those referred to by the Deputy, who often work on a part-time, casual, short-time or seasonal basis.
"The conditions for the jobseeker’s pay-related benefit scheme are not designed to provide in-work support on a recurring and intermittent basis."
Here's everything you need to know about Jobseeker's Pay-Related Benefit.
Jobseeker’s Pay-Related Benefit (JPRB) is a payment you can get if you become unemployed.
The amount of JPRB you get is directly linked to your earnings from work before you became unemployed.
JPRB will be available from 31 March 2025.
To qualify for Jobseeker's Pay-Related Benefit, you must:
- Become fully unemployed on or after 31 March 2025 (your last day of employment must be on or after Friday 28 March 2025)
- Be under 66 years of age, or under 70 years and deferring your State Pension (Contributory)
- Be capable of work and be available for full-time work
- Be genuinely seeking work
- Have enough paid PRSI contributions at Class A, H or P
In 2025, Jobseeker’s Pay-Related Benefit weekly rate, if you have at least 260 (5 years) paid PRSI contributions:
Weekly payment | Paid for |
60% of earnings up to a maximum of €450 | First 3 months (13 weeks) |
55% of earnings up to a maximum of €375 | Next 3 months (13 weeks) |
50% of earnings up to a maximum €300 payment | Last 3 months (13 weeks) |
In 2025, Jobseeker’s Pay-Related Benefit weekly rate, if you have between 104 and 259 (2-5 years) paid PRSI contributions:
Weekly payment | Paid for |
50% of earnings up to a maximum for €300 | 6 months (26 weeks) |