Unemployed people

Signing on
If you lose your job or are unemployed you may get a social welfare payment. Find out more about getting a social welfare payment when you are unemployed.

Jobseeker's Benefit
This is a weekly payment to people who have lost their job and are covered by social insurance. Find out if you can get this and other benefits.

Jobseeker's Allowance
A means-tested payment to people who are unemployed and looking for work. Find out if you can get Jobseeker's Allowance.

Means test for Jobseeker's Allowance To get Jobseeker's Allowance you must satisfy a means test. A means test examines all your sources of income. However, some income is not taken into account in the calculation of your means.
This document is in: Home > Social Welfare > Irish social welfare system > Means test for social welfare payments

Work and Jobseeker's Allowance Explains how your income from work and your spouse's income from work can affect your rate of Jobseeker's Allowance.
This document is in: Home > Social Welfare > Irish social welfare system > Means test for social welfare payments

Jobseeker's Benefit and work You may be able to work and get Jobseeker's Benefit. This document explains how your work and your spouse's or partner's income from work can affect your Jobseeker's Benefit.
This document is in: Home > Social Welfare > Social welfare payments > Social welfare payments and work

Pre-Retirement Allowance
The Pre-Retirement Allowance is a means-tested payment for people aged 55 and over who consider themselves retired rather than unemployed. Since 4 July 2007, the Pre-Retirement Allowance is closed to new applicants but existing recipients may continue to get it.

Self-employed and unemployment
Has your business closed down? Are you self-employed but have less work and less income? Find out if you can get a social welfare payment.

Signing off when you start work
You are required to notify your local social welfare office if you have been claiming social welfare benefits in Ireland and are returning to work.