Assessed and Unassessed Social Welfare Benefit

[Tank]

I have recently lost my job. I was self-employed, but had generated PRSI stamps in a part time job enough to aparently give me 15 months of social welfare before I get assessed. I am taking a few months off for health reasons, but have some queries...

Am I entitled to this payment regardless? IE, have I paid my PRSI and it is due to me because of this?

Is there a different claim I should make, if I am medically unfit for work?

I have a rental property, which generates a little income. Can this count against the social welfare, as it is technically not work, but income from an investment. I understand that it shouldnt be, but that when I am assessed after the 15 months, then it would stand against me.

Thanks in advance.

 

[ClubMan]

I have recently lost my job. I was self-employed, but had generated PRSI stamps in a part time job enough to aparently give me 15 months of social welfare before I get assessed. I am taking a few months off for health reasons, but have some queries...

Am I entitled to this payment regardless? IE, have I paid my PRSI and it is due to me because of this?

www.welfare.ie has clear guidelines on the PRSI contribution requirements for Jobseeker's Benefit.

Is there a different claim I should make, if I am medically unfit for work?

Again see www.welfare.ie for details of disability/illness related payment schemes.

I have a rental property, which generates a little income. Can this count against the social welfare, as it is technically not work, but income from an investment. I understand that it shouldnt be, but that when I am assessed after the 15 months, then it would stand against me.

Such income will probably be taken into consideration as part of a means test for means tested allowances (as opposed to PRSI linked benefits).