Written answer
Social Welfare Benefits
The Minister reported stable unemployment-benefit numbers, with seasonally adjusted unemployment at 5% in August 2026, consistent with full employment.
26. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Social Protection the total number of persons combined who are actively claiming job seekers benefit, job seekers allowance and job-seekers pay related benefit; and if he will outline trends over the past five years such as whether more or less people are claiming unemployment-related social welfare this year compared to previous years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67166/26]
Comment on this
The number of people in receipt of Jobseekers Allowance, Jobseekers Benefit or Pay Related Benefit at the end of each year and end August 2026 are shown in the below table:
* Includes Benefit Payment for 65 Year Olds, Jobseeker's Benefit (Self-Employed) and Short-Time Work Support.
Commensurate with the stability in numbers, the seasonally adjusted monthly unemployment estimate has been at or below 5 percent since January 2022. As of August 2026, it stands at 5 percent. This rate is conventionally considered to indicate full employment.