Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 section 65A

Rates of jobseeker's benefit relating to certain reckonable weekly earnings, certain reckonable weekly income and certain periods

Section 65A sets out the weekly payment rates for jobseeker's benefit, with graduated rates that ensure claimants cannot receive more in benefit than they previously earned.

• The maximum weekly rate of €254 applies only to those whose previous average earnings were €300 or more per week.
• Claimants with lower previous earnings receive proportionately lower rates: €198.90 (earnings €220–€299.99), €163.70 (earnings €150–€219.99), or €114.00 (earnings below €150).
• This graduated structure ensures that jobseeker's benefit never exceeds the claimant's previous weekly earnings, maintaining a financial incentive to return to work.
• Reduced rates apply where a claimant refuses or fails to attend activation meetings or participate in prescribed schemes or courses, bringing their payments down to €128.40, €105.70, or €73.60 depending on their earnings band.