Jobseeker's Benefit application following break from workforce . .

[SlackerHumanoid]

If one finished up a job and decided to take a year or two out of the workforce, and therefore did not immediately apply for Jobseeker's Benefit, would that cause a problem for a delayed application for Jobseeker's Benefit when one decided to again seek employment?

 

[S class]

You need to meet the Jobseekers benefit governing year Prsi contributions rules. You would need to check these carefully if you are delaying for 2 years. You could be at risk of not meeting the requirements.

 

[SlackerHumanoid]

Would meet the governing year PRSI requirements (104+ PRSI A & 39+ PRSI A in the governing year). Operational guidelines say . .

Qualifying Conditions In Summary
To qualify for Jobseeker's Benefit a person must:

• be unemployed
• be under pension age
• be capable of work
• be available for full-time work
• be genuinely seeking work
• have sustained a substantial loss of employment
• satisfy the contribution conditions
• prove unemployment in the prescribed manner

Re sustained a substantial loss of employment the operational guidelines say "A person whose employment has terminated and is now fully unemployed will obviously satisfy the substantial loss rule." so I guess even a two year delay shouldn't trip up an application but I wonder has anyone on AAM successfully applied for Jobseeker's Benefit after an extended delay.

 

[S class]

I don't know if this has worked for anybody.

If you were refused you could try getting employment for a few hours (minimum earning of 38 euro) and then cease this employment. I know that this was acceptable as a substantial loss of employment and Jobseekers benefit was awarded.