JA - unemployed out of college.

[AOLeary]

Hi all, I'm just out of college and wasn't able to get a job. I applied for Jobseeker's Allowance and was means tested based on my father's income.

The calculated amount for my weekly benefit from this is ~333euro. This puts me well above the threshold to receive JA.

My query is about why I, as a 23 year old new graduate, am means tested based on my father's income just because I live at home? Do I have any grounds to complain and attempt to receive back payments?

Yours,
Aodhán

 

[gipimann]

Persons under 25 who live at home are assessed on their parent(s) income.

The only exception is if the person applying has lived away from home independently of their parent(s) for 3 years - a means test is not carried out and notional means are assessed (€7pw).

The means assessment, called Benefit & Privilege is explained here:

http://www.citizensinformation.ie/e...s_income_can_affect_jobseekers_allowance.html

You can appeal a decision, but the only reason a different means assessment would be reached is if the calculations were incorrect or if you met the "living independently" criteria and DSP weren't aware of it at the time.

Benefit and Privilege means assessment ceases at age 25 - at that stage, if circumstances are still the same, you will no longer be assessed on your parent(s) income.