Overview

• A new subsidy available since April offers up to €570 monthly for job-seekers aged 30 to 55 who have exhausted contributory benefits and meet income and contribution thresholds.
• Unemployment benefits will follow a three-tier reduction: €570 for the first 180 days, €540 from days 181 to 360 and €480 thereafter, with those over 52 exempt from cuts.
• Applications open for six months after benefit exhaustion via online or in-person channels, granting an initial three-month award renewable quarterly without limit if criteria are maintained.
• Recipients must sign a job-search declaration, remain registered with the SEPE and participate in approved employment-insertion activities to retain assistance.
• Missing a job interview without valid justification triggers progressive sanctions: a three-month suspension on first offence, six months on second and permanent cancellation on a third.