Know Your Rights has been compiled by Kerry Citizens Information Service which provides a free and confidential service to the public…
Question: I am 23 years of age and I live with my partner (aged 25) who is currently unemployed and getting Jobseeker’s Allowance. I am now looking for work. What amount of Jobseeker’s Allowance can I get?
Answer: People aged under 26 get a reduced rate of Jobseeker’s Allowance. If you claim Jobseeker’s Allowance in your own right, the maximum amount you are eligible for is €102.70 a week.
However, your partner could claim for you as a dependent adult on their Jobseeker’s Allowance claim and would be paid €128.10 each week in addition to their personal payment.
Even though the rate paid is less, it might be more beneficial for you to claim Jobseeker’s Allowance in your own right, because you can be eligible for a range of training and employment schemes to help you into employment.
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If you take up a place on a course of education or training or on an employment support scheme you will get a higher rate of payment.
The reduced personal and qualified adult rates of Jobseeker’s Allowance for claimants under 26 do not apply to claimants with dependent children.
Further information is available from the Citizens Information Service below.