Unemployment Payments

The two main unemployment payments are Jobseeker's Benefit and Jobseeker's Allowance. Jobseeker's Benefit is an unemployment payment based on social insurance (PRSI) contributions which can be paid when working or credited when signing on. You will need to have paid contributions to get Jobseeker's Benefit. Jobseeker's Allowance is a means-tested unemployment payment. You will be asked for details of your cash income, capital, savings, investment and property (other than your own home) in the means test. Further detailed information is available in the links below;

• Jobseeker's Benefit
• Jobseeker's Allowance

Claiming a Jobseeker's Payment

If you have never claimed a Jobseeker's payment in the past or if it is more than 2 years since you last claimed, please print application form UP 1 and return the completed form to your local Social Welfare Office immediately.

If it is less than 2 years since you last claimed, please print application form UP 6 and return the completed form to your local Social Welfare Office immediately.

Any delay in applying or returning your application form to the local social welfare office may result in a loss of payment.

Please note: It is not possible to make a claim online or by post

Collecting Your Payment

All new applications for Jobseeker's Benefit or Jobseeker's Allowance are paid through the Post Office. The payment is made using your Social Services 'swipe' card. You will be required to sign a receipt acknowledging you have received the payment and that you still meet the terms and conditions of the payment.

You must bring valid photographic identification with you to collect your payment. Staff working in the Post Office may ask to see your photo ID before giving you your payment.

The following is considered as valid photographic identification (photo ID): Driving license, Passport, GNIB card (Garda National Immigration Bureau). EU / EEA nationals may use a National Identity Card.

As a general rule, the option of having your JA/JB payment paid into your bank account is not available. However, a payment can only be changed from a post office payment to a bank account if there are particular circumstances preventing you from collecting your payment in the post office. This change is at the discretion of your local Social Welfare Office.