A new jobseeker's payment that is linked to a person's previous earnings is due to begin.
People who become unemployed, and who have at least five years' paid PRSI contributions, will be entitled to receive 60% of their earnings, subject to a maximum of €450 a week for the first 13 weeks.
After that, the rate will be 55% of earnings, subject to a maximum of €375 for the following 13 weeks.
A further 13 weeks will be paid at the rate of 50% of previous earnings, up to a maximum €300 payment.
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For people who have between two and five years' paid PRSI contributions, the rate is set at 50% of previous earnings subject to a maximum of €300 per week and 26 weeks' duration.
A weekly minimum rate of €125 will apply.
The new scheme is open to applications from people whose first day of unemployment is on or after 31 March 2025.
Applications must be made within six weeks of a person losing their job.
The scheme brings Ireland in line with other EU countries.
Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary said the loss of a job and "the sudden loss in income can be difficult to adjust to".
"The jobseeker's pay-related benefit will help people during this period of uncertainty while they seek new employment," he said.
"I encourage anyone who has lost their job and who meets the conditions for this new scheme to make an application through MyWelfare.ie," Mr Calleary said.
The existing jobseeker's benefit scheme is being retained for people already in receipt of this payment and for people who may not be eligible for the new scheme because they are working on a part-time, casual, short-time or seasonal basis.
Self-employed people will continue to be supported under the current jobseeker's benefit (self-employed) scheme.
Trade unions have welcomed the rollout of the new pay-related unemployment benefit but have expressed concerns about the maximum payment limits.
"The maximum payment cap has remained at €450 since the new payment was first proposed by the Department of Social Protection back in February 2023," said Owen Reidy, General Secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions.
"Since then, working-age welfare rates have increased by €24 a week or 10%. The payment cap cannot be allowed to stagnate and ideally should be assessed on an annual basis and adjusted in line with increases in earnings," Mr Reidy said.
