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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 also looking for work. How much Jobseeker’s Allowance am I entitled to?
Answer: In general, people aged under 26 get a reduced rate of Jobseeker’s Allowance.
As you are cohabiting, you have two payment options. Your partner could claim for you as a dependent adult on their Jobseeker’s Allowance claim.
They would be paid their personal payment of €152.80 and €131.40 for you each week. This would give you a total household weekly payment of €284.20.
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Alternatively, if you claim Jobseeker’s Allowance in your own right, the maximum personal amount you are eligible for is €107.70 a week.
Even though the rate paid is less, it might be more beneficial for you because, as a claimant in your own right, you may be eligible for a range of training and employment schemes to help you into employment.
If you take up a place on a course of education or training or on an employment support scheme, you get a higher rate of payment.
For example, all Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) participants aged under 26 who were getting a reduced age-related Jobseeker’s Allowance payment, get a maximum BTEA rate of €198 per week.
You can find the full list of current Jobseeker’s Allowance rates online at citizensinformation.ie.
Further information is available from the Citizens Information Service below.
• Contact us in Tralee on Tel: 0761 07 7860 Killarney 0761 07 7820, Listowel 0761 07 7840 Kenmare 0761 07 7810, Killorglin 0761 07830 & Caherciveen 0761 07 7780.
Information is also available online at citizensinformation.ie and from the Citizens Information Phone Service, 0761 07 4000
