Personal weekly rates
Based on average weekly earnings
Since 2024, JB is paid at a rate linked to your average weekly earnings in the relevant tax year — unlike JA which is flat rate. The more you earned, the higher your JB rate, up to a maximum.
Rate bands 2026
- Average earnings under €150/week: €104.10 per week
- Average earnings €150–€219.99/week: €149.60 per week
- Average earnings €220–€299.99/week: €181.70 per week
- Average earnings €300 or more/week: €232.00 per week (maximum)
Increases for dependants
Qualified adult
€154.00 per week — if your spouse, civil partner, or cohabitant has no income or low income and is not receiving a social welfare payment in their own right.
Qualified child (full rate)
€46.00 per week per child — applies when the child lives with you and you are the main claimant.
Qualified child (half rate)
€23.00 per week per child — applies in shared custody situations.
JB vs JA — which pays more
For most people who have been in steady employment, JB will pay the full €232 per week — the same as the maximum JA rate. However, JB does not count your partner's income, so if your partner earns, JB is often more favourable than JA (where your partner's income reduces your payment). This is one of the key advantages of JB over JA.
More Jobseeker's Benefit guides
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