Jobseeker’s Benefit
If you satisfy the conditions in section 2 and are fully unemployed and getting Jobseeker's Benefit, you get credits automatically. If you have used up your entitlement to Jobseeker's Benefit and qualify for Jobseeker’s Allowance, you may continue to get credits.
Jobseeker's Allowance
If you satisfy the conditions in section 2 and are getting Jobseeker's Allowance, you only qualify for credits if you have paid or credited contributions in either of the last 2 tax years.
Jobseeker's Credits
If you are unemployed and you do not qualify for an unemployment payment, you can sign-on for credits at your local Social Welfare Office to keep your social insurance record up-to-date as long as you qualify for credits. You will get a credit for each full week of proven unemployment. You must be available for work, genuinely seeking work and capable of work.
If you are signing on for credits only, the signing arrangements may vary slightly in each Social Welfare Local Office. Contact your local Social Welfare Office for details. If you take part in one of the following:
- Back to Education Allowance (Second and Third Level option)
- Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS)
- FÁS, Failte Ireland (formerly known as CERT), BIM or Teagasc training courses
you will get credits for the duration of the course, as long as you were eligible for credits before starting the course.
If you are a school leaver taking part in a FÁS or other training course and you do not have any paid PRSI contributions you do not qualify for credits while you are on the course.
If you are disqualified from getting an unemployment payment because you are involved in a strike, you may qualify for credits for the duration of the strike.
If you are involved in a strike, you should apply for credits at your Social Welfare Local Office.