Jobseeker's Benefit and Joint Mortgage Cohabiting

Just got Mortgage approval with my girlfriend and wanted to be sure of some things before jumping in.

My work is freelance and on short-term contracts. Fortunately, nearly every year I manage to get over 6 months work and so qualify for Jobseekers Benefit when I am not working. My girlfriend works full time and grosses €32k p.a.. Although we have lived together in the past, we currently rent rooms in two separate properties to keep commutes to a minimum. When I am not working, my savings and the Jobseekers Benefit ensure that I can pay my rent. The Mortgage repayments will be a similar amount to what I'm paying in rent and so long as I continue to get the full Jobseeker's Benefit, meeting the repayments will be no problem.

Can someone just assure me that I will still qualify for the full Jobseeker's Benefit if I have paid enough PRSI contributions in the relevant year? Just want to make sure that if we ARE cohabiting and have a joint Mortgage that I won't be means tested, her income come into the equation and then I won't qualify for any Jobseeker's Benefit?

I'd much appreciate any answers or advice.

Jobseeker's Benefit (JB) is based on your PRSI contributions and is not means-tested. Your payment (max €188 pw) won't be affected by your change in living circumstances.

You will probably be asked for details of your partner's income for 2 reasons:

- to determine whether you are eligible for an additional payment in respect of a qualified adult on your JB
- to carry out a means-test to determine eligibilty for Jobseeker's Allowance should your JB run out.

Thanks very much for clearing that up, its a relief to know.