Parents next in line for new pay-related benefit as jobseekers scheme begins roll-out today

Jobseekers can now apply for benefit payments of up to €450 a week for three months, with rates decreasing after this period; plans for pay-related parent’s benefit are in the works for early next year, according to Social Protection Minister Dara Calleary. The Government is also exploring the introduction of pay-related carer’s benefit and other similar payments, with the aim of linking maternity and paternity benefits to salaries. The new pay-related jobseeker’s payment scheme is designed to ease the income shock of unemployment by providing higher payments for those with a strong work history, with rates based on previous earnings and PRSI contributions.

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