Irish job seekers and means testing

[missthrifty]

Hello,

In 2014 my husband worked self employed in the UK for several weeks before finding work at home in Ireland. This self employed work finished after 4 months. He applied for and was granted JSA with means based on his Irish earnings but not the UK's. He paid tax and National Insurance in UK and Irish PRSI of euro 500 for 2014. Also pays Irish USC on UK earnings under the double taxation agreement with the UK.

Is there any way he can have the means reduced based on his PRSI contribution? Why, as both countries have these agreements can't his Irish earnings be treated as his UK and not be means tested?

Your thoughts please
Thank you

 

[moneybox]

Hello,

Also pays Irish USC on UK earnings under the double taxation agreement with the UK.

Thank you

Are you sure about this, surely if he is employed in another country he come under the taxation and national Insurance rules in the UK

 

[missthrifty]

Hello moneybox,

Thank you for your reply. UK is UK and Ireland is Ireland in this case, despite the double taxation agreement.

Being unemployed and self employed and means tested on previous earnings to arrive at a non existent figure of future income is the issue here. A grey area which is held together by impossible legislation despite what Joan Burton said c. three years ago about looking after the self employed who find themselves in this position

Thank you.