The two contribution tests
There are two tests you must pass. You need to satisfy both.
Test 1 — At least 104 paid PRSI contributions
You need a minimum of 104 weeks of paid PRSI contributions (Class A, H, or P) at any point in your working life. This is roughly 2 years of full-time work. Credited contributions (e.g. from social welfare or illness) do not count towards this 104-week requirement — only paid contributions count.
Test 2 — 39 qualifying contributions in the relevant tax year
You need either 39 paid or credited contributions in the relevant tax year (the second-last complete tax year before your claim), or 26 paid contributions in the relevant tax year and 26 paid contributions in the tax year immediately before that.
PRSI classes that count
Not all PRSI classes count equally for Jobseeker's Benefit.
Classes that qualify for JB
- Class A — employees earning over €38 per week. The most common class.
- Class H — Defence Forces personnel.
- Class P — Certain part-time workers in agriculture.
Classes that do NOT qualify for JB
- Class S — Self-employed people. Class S contributions do not qualify for standard JB. Self-employed people can claim Jobseeker's Benefit for the Self-Employed — a separate, more limited payment.
- Class B, C, D — Civil servants, Gardaí, and other public servants hired before 1995. These classes do not qualify for JB.
Credited contributions
Credited contributions are automatically added to your record for periods when you are on social welfare, sick leave, or in certain other circumstances. They count towards the 39-contribution test but not towards the 104-week paid contribution requirement.
You can check your PRSI contribution record through Revenue MyAccount (myaccount.revenue.ie) or by contacting the DSP.
If you fall short
If you do not have enough PRSI contributions for Jobseeker's Benefit, you may still qualify for Jobseeker's Allowance — which does not require PRSI. See the Jobseeker's Allowance guide for the means test and eligibility conditions.
More Jobseeker's Benefit guides
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