Both out of work, can my partner get JA now?

Hi,

My partner has been out of work for almost 2 years, after JB we were means tested and he received nothing from JA because I was earning.
I have been paying all bills, outlays and rent for both of us.....

Now I too am being made redundant so BOTH of us will be unemployed.

Question:
Can my partner get his JA benefit entitlements back?
Will we both be able to claim for rent allowance?

Thanks alot!

You may be eligible for JB depending on your PRSI contributions.

If you do qualify for JB, your partner can be paid JA, though it's likely to be lower than your JB.

The total amount paid cannot exceed what one of you would get if that person claimed for both of you.

For example, the 2010 rate for a couple is 326.10. You cannot get more than 326.10 between you, so if you receive 196 JB, your partner can only receive 131.10.

The above figures will be reduced in 2011, and assume no savings or other income which may affect the JA.

You will be treated as a couple for the purposes of Rent Supplement, even if both of you are on Jobseeker's, so there is no need for both of you to apply.

Thanks Gipimann

My PRSI contributions will entitle me to JB.

As I am the one with savings, not my partner (separate accounts)....
could this still affect his JA and rent entitlement???

Its so frustrating as the revenue dont treat us as a couple however for welfare suddenly we are....even though not married but cohabiting!

W

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