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Jobseekers to get staged, pay-related benefit

Jobseeker's payment will now factor in a person's previous earnings, from today (31 March).

Those who become unemployed, with five years' paid PRSI contributions, will get 60% of their earnings, subject to a maximum of €450 a week, for the first 13 weeks.

Thereafter, the rate will be 55% of earnings, up to a maximum of €375, for the following 13 weeks.

Maximum

Then there will be 13 weeks paid at 50% of previous earnings, up to a maximum €300 payment.

Those who have between two and five years' paid PRSI contributions, will receive 50% of previous earnings subject to a maximum of €300 per week and 26 weeks’ duration.

A weekly minimum rate of €125 will apply.

Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary said: "The jobseeker’s pay-related benefit will help people during this period of uncertainty while they seek new employment."

The existing jobseeker’s benefit scheme is being retained for people already in receipt of this payment and for people who may not be eligible for the new scheme if they work on a part-time, casual, short-time or seasonal basis.