Overview: getting social welfare

If you lose your job, are laid off, have reduced days at work or are made redundant you may be entitled to Jobseeker's Allowance or Jobseeker's Benefit.

If you are self-employed but you have had to close your business or the amount of work you are getting has reduced you may get a jobseeker's payment.

The difference between Jobseeker's Benefit and Jobseeker's Allowance

Jobseeker's Benefit

To get Jobseeker's Benefit you must have worked and have enough social insurance (PRSI) contributions.

You must also be unemployed and looking for work to get Jobseeker's Benefit. However, if you are working for 3 days or less each week it may be possible for you to work and get Jobseeker's Benefit.

Jobseeker's Allowance

To get Jobseeker's Allowance you must pass a means test. A means test is when your income is calculated to find out if it falls below a certain level. If it falls below a certain level you can get Jobseeker's Allowance.

The means test for Jobseeker's Allowance examines all your sources of income. If you are 24 years of age or under and living with your parents, a certain amount of your parents' income may also be assessed in the means test.

You must be unemployed to get Jobseeker's Allowance. However, if you are working for 3 days or less each week it may be possible for you to work and get Jobseeker's Allowance. Income from work is also taken into account in the means test.

Applying for a jobseeker's payment

When you apply for Jobseeker's Allowance or Jobseeker's Benefit there are certain documents you must bring with you. If you have difficulty getting any of the required documents you should still apply.

When you are signing on for the first time and applying for a jobseeker's payment you may get extra benefits such as a medical card.

If you are refused Jobseeker's Allowance or Jobseeker's Benefit you can appeal this decision.