Compare two situations

Jobseeker’s Allowance estimate

A means test covering single and partnered applicants, dependent children and both the standard and reduced under-25 personal rates. Retained firefighters, self-employment and the “benefit and privilege” household assessment have no verified formula in this calculator and are always referred for an official assessment instead of a guessed figure.

Enter earnings after allowed deductions. Tax, health insurance and travel costs are not allowable deductions. Your own home is normally not assessable capital.

Situation A

Answer each visible question. Blank and “not sure” answers do not count as zero or no. Editing any answer clears your confirmation and hides the previous estimate.

Are you aged 25 or over? This form is for adults aged 18+.Are any earnings from ordinary employee work, or are there no earnings (not self-employment)?Are you a retained firefighter?Are you capable of work, available for full-time work and genuinely seeking work?Days worked per weekWeekly employee earnings after allowed deductions (€)Do you live with a spouse or partner?Qualifying children under 12Qualifying children aged 12 or overAssessable capital (€)Other weekly means (€)

I have reviewed and confirmed every answer and amount above. Show my indicative result.

Confirm your answers first

Situation B

Answer each visible question. Blank and “not sure” answers do not count as zero or no. Editing any answer clears your confirmation and hides the previous estimate.

I have reviewed and confirmed every answer and amount above. Show my indicative result.

Confirm your answers first

Comparison

Complete two supported situations to show a comparison.

This compares Jobseeker’s Allowance only. It does not compare take-home pay, tax, housing costs or other supports.

Evidence

Rule version: ja-2026.1
Effective from: 1 January 2026
Source checked: 10 September 2026
Maximum personal rate: €254.00 weekly

Official scheme rules Official means rules

Estimate only: The Department of Social Protection decides eligibility and payment. Do not use this result as an entitlement decision or delay an application because of it.

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