Help calculating eligibility for Jobseekers Assistance

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Plek Trum

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Hi all,

I had my Jobseekers Benefit reviewed last week (had to complete forms, days worked etc) and recived a call this morning from SWO telling me that I no longer qualified for JB.. stunned to day the least, working average of 2 day week over 12 months?

The officer wasn't too helpful on the phone as regards my situation so I am looking for clarification if possible...

I work 3 days per week currently (staff changes 2 weeks ago)
My gross for 3 days is 360euro, net pay 305.40
Will i qualify for JA?
I do not own a property, rent is 75euro per week, loan of 130pw. No savings.

Very worried and concerned. My SWO is 45 mile drive away so if anyone can help so I can be clear as to why this is before I have to travel over to try and speak with someone more helpful in person that would be great. I don't understand why I don't qualify for JB anymore as I have been working and paying tax??

Note - I think I do not qualify for JB now as I have not suffered a continous loss of income after my first application. Is this interpretation of the criteria correct?

Confused and anxious.. thanks to all for potential clarification. :confused:
 
hi if you check out the sw website they'll give the info alright on what factors make you eligible. Check if you'd be entitled to "FIS"....if your working 19 hours or more you might be eligible for "family income support " if you have a spouse and children to support aswell .
 
ClubMan said:
SW really should be able to tell you what JB qualifying conditions you do NOT meet. Ask them again maybe?

Have you looked at the CitizensInformation and SW websites to check the qualifying criteria for JA and maybe other means tested payments in case you qualify?

http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/employment/unemployment_and_redundancy/
http://www.welfare.ie
Click to expand...


Have tried ringing 3 times this morning and put on hold each time - still no success in getting through. Was hoping some efficient folk here may be of kind assistance.
I had a look at SW and Citizens info website re JA calcualtions but to be honest I am having a hard time making sense of it. Stress doesn't help!

No dependents, spouse or children so FIS does not apply.
Will continue to try ring (trying to save the cost of driving 45 miles to meet somone face to face in the hope that someone may be able to help here..)

Many thanks, hope somebody may be familiar wth the calculations and area to clarify...
 
If you can't get the answer here or get onto SW then perhaps try contacting CitizensInformation? Or maybe even your local elected representatives (not my preference but sometimes the done thing in this country)...
 
The thing may be that you are getting more per week than the JS allowance offers.

Because you're on the allowance you are means tested on all of your income.

Its not like the back to work allowance where you can keep all you earn.

Talk to your local community welfare officer about this - he may help.
 
On those figures, you may just about be entitled to a Jobseekers Allowance payment, probably in the region of 8-10 Euro.

While this may not seem much, when you get to the 15 month stage, you'll also get fuel allowance of another 20 euro, as long as you are getting even a minimal Jobseekers Allowance.
 
As for your Jobseekers Benefit, it only lasts for 12 months (if you have 260 contributions) or 9 months (if you have less). Those times are based on you being fully unemployed, so if you've been working 2 days a week, it should last longer.

You can re-qualify for Jobseekers Benefit if you have contributions after the 6 month stage of your Benefit, although to re-qualify you must also suffer another loss of employment, ie you must have lost at least one day's work from whatever your normal level of employment was before the claim. So if your normal level of employment is 2 days a week, and you still work 2 days a week, then you won't re-qualify (at least not unless you lose another day's employment)
 
Thank you all SO much - great to have things clarified, its a whole new area of education (one that I could do without!) Appreciate all info, will be meeting with SWO today so fingers crossed.

Thanks again - appreciate it.
 
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