Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 May 2025
94. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of people who have applied for the jobseeker’s pay-related benefit since its introduction, by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21744/25]
View answerI am very pleased to report that the new Jobseeker's Pay-Related Benefit was introduced a month ago (31st March). This is a payment that will help people who lose a job to adjust to the income shock that this often entails. Instead of paying a single flat rate to all jobseekers as was the case up to this, Pay-Related Benefit means that the rate of income support is directly linked to previous earnings.
Under the scheme, the weekly rate of payment for a person with at least five years paid PRSI contributions will be set at 60% of previous earnings, up to a maximum of €450 for the first three months. After that, the rate will be set at 55% of previous earnings up to a maximum of €375 for the following three months. A further three months will be paid at the rate of 50%, up to a maximum €300 payment.
For people who have between two and five years paid contributions, the rate will be set at 50% of previous earnings. This will be paid up to a maximum of €300 per week, subject to a maximum duration of six months.As of Saturday 19th April, the total number of Jobseeker's Pay-Related Benefit claims registered is 4,806 of which 3,589 were awarded.
There were 3,469 in payment at this date of which a total of 1,805, or 52%, were in receipt of the maximum €450 weekly rate of payment. A further 208 individuals, or 6%, were in receipt of the €300 weekly rate where they have fewer than five years PRSI contributions.
The specifics by county breakdown are not yet available but will be reported on in due course.
The introduction of the new Jobseeker's Pay-Related Benefit scheme has been a significant undertaking for my Department over the last number of years, and I want to place on the record my thanks to the officials involved.
