information regarding making an unemployment claim

Hi, I am trying to find out some information regarding making an unemployment claim. I have been a full time employee for the last 12 years apart from a four month break last year due to a contract ending which meant I signed on for that period of time. I have also had two periods of maternity leave, one of which ended last week. I resigned from my last job at the end of maternity leave as I now have two children and the salary would not be enough to pay childcare for two. I am now hoping to find alternative employment which pays more which will enable me to pay the necessary childcare fees, in the meantime will I be able to claim? What sort of questions am I liable to be asked?

Any help appreciated,

thanks, Millie

Re: unemployment

Have you checked the and Welfare sites for details of the rules applicable to Unemployment Benefit and Unemployment Assistance?

Hi Millie,

Most of the questions they will have are around your recent work history. You'll be asked about your last job, and why you left. There may be a period of disqualification because you left voluntarily.

Then it'll be on to what your plans are now, ie are you currently fit for work, what kind of work are you seeking, your availability etc.

Its fairly painless

Bring P45 and P60. You will be asked questions on why you became unemployed. As was rightly pointed out there is a period of disqualification if you left voluntarily. I would imagine that the main questioning will be with regard to your availability for work.

The current maximum rate of Benefit is 148.80 per week but you will not be paid for your children if your spouse/partner is earning over €300 pw.
This is one of the cuts that was not reversed.

The full rate is €165.80 from 2006 after the changes in Budget 2006.