Jobseeker's allowance means test - pretty sure we'd get zero

[Seabsh]

Husband made redundant nearly 9 months ago and went straight onto Jobseeker's Benefit. Now it's coming to an end and JA looks to be the only option. Lots of questions, lots of documents to gather, etc however we rent out our first home and it looks like DSP assess the capital value of that house (not the rental income) and as we have savings of over 20k and the market value of house is around 280k I'm pretty sure we'd get nothing from the means test. I have a modest job so I know my income is also assessed. Is there any point to even completing the JA form? Looks like we're over the limit for any payment or am i wrong?

 

[ClubMan]

The DSP means test is explained here.

Means test for social welfare payments

www.citizensinformation.ie

You may be able to get a better idea using this calculator?

Benefit of Work Estimator

<p>Benefit of work estimator for Jobseekers and One-Parent Family payments</p>

services.mywelfare.ie

I would just apply and let them decide whether or not you qualify.

 

[ashambles]

There might be PRSI credits even if you don't get any payments - i.e. could be worth it in terms of contributory pension. Also may help in accessing springboard type courses. (I'm not very well up on this so might be wrong - hopefully someone can confirm.

 

[ClubMan]

There might be PRSI credits even if you don't get any payments - i.e. could be worth it in terms of contributory pension. Also may help in accessing springboard type courses. (I'm not very well up on this so might be wrong - hopefully someone can confirm.

Credited social insurance contributions

A credited social insurance contribution is a contribution given to you and recorded on your social insurance record. This page explains the rules on credited contributions for students, carers, homemakers, voluntary development workers and people who retire early.

www.citizensinformation.ie

Types of credits you can get​

Credits during unemployment​

You get credits automatically if you are fully unemployed and getting Jobseeker's Benefit. You can continue to get credits if you have used up your entitlement to Jobseeker's Benefit and qualify for Jobseeker's Allowance.

You do not automatically get credits if you are getting Jobseeker's Allowance. You must have paid or credited contributions in either of the last 2 tax years to get credits with Jobseeker's Allowance.

If you are unemployed and don’t qualify for a jobseeker’s payment, you can still sign on for credits, if you meet the qualifying conditions.