Applications open as four major groups eligible for €500 social welfare boost – this is how to apply

The Irish Sun

21-04-2025

THOUSANDS of people are set to benefit from the €500 social welfare boost - but only four groups can cash in on the bonus.
Many part-time workers can claim a
The benefit is paid between 6 and 9 months, based on the qualification you meet for the
However, this is only available for workers who work three days or less.
Here's everything you need to know about the scheme, including how to apply for it.
Part-timers can work and get Jobseeker's Benefit if:
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Your days at work are reduced due to lack of work (systematic short-time working)
You are a part-time worker including job-sharing week on and week off (but not if you have chosen to do so)
You get casual work or part-time work
You have subsidiary employment
According to Citizens Information, a Jobseeker's Benefit recipient's payment is determined using a 5-day week if they work for a portion of the week.
This implies that a person's wage is reduced by one-fifth of the regular Jobseeker's Benefit amount for each workday.
You will receive three-fifths of the regular Jobseeker's Benefit for that week if you are able to arrange two days of part-time work.
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And you will receive two-fifths of the weekly normal rate if you are able to secure part-time
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However, you must remain unemployed for four out of seven days to claim the Jobseeker's Benefit.
Part-time workers must actively seek full-time employment; your benefit is taxable if you work part-time.
People on Jobseeker's Benefit must claim it for at least three days in any given week.
If you work for four days or more, you are no longer entitled to claim the benefit anymore as you must be unemployed for at least four out of seven days.
If a situation arises where your working hours are reduced to three days or less per week, you can apply for Short Time Work Support under the Jobseeker's Benefit scheme.
HOW TO APPLY?
To qualify for the benefit, you must:
Be under 66 years of age, or under 70 years and deferring your State Pension (Contributory)
Be unemployed (you must be unemployed for at least 4 days out of 7)
Have had a substantial loss of employment and as a result be unemployed for at least 4 days out of 7 (this does not apply to casual workers and part-time fire fighters)
Be capable of work
Be available for and genuinely seeking work
Have enough social insurance (PRSI) contributions
Applications for Jobseeker's Benefit and Short-Time Work Support must be completed in order to apply, this can be done online or at any local Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office.
When applying for the Jobseeker's Benefit on MyWelfare.ie, you can also request assistance if required - however, you would need a verified MyGovID account to apply online.
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Four eligible groups can apply for the scheme
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