minimum wage & JSA means test

Hi All

DH just got a job, it's paying min wage with commission. I'm currently on JSA with him as my dependant and an increase for 2 kids - works out at 372 per week.

If I'm right, then DH wages will be roughly €356 per week. Commission isn't much and will change depending on the day but I reckon social will take this into account too. I can't for the life of me figure out how the JSA means test works, but I'm guessing (hoping) they pay the difference between his wages and my JSA which in this case would be €16? Am I right in this? Do they take into account what I currently get for fuel allowance which is €20, bringing the total each week to €392? I know it's a measly amount to worry over but I'm finding it hard enough as it is!

I've heard people talking of FIS - would I be better off applying for this? At the moment, his job is temporary until Feb so I'm really hoping we're not going to end up struggling even more over Christmas just bec he did the right thing and got a job!

We were so delighted (even with the crappy wages) when we heard he was going to be back working - now I'm starting to panic slightly!! Can't speak to social until next week as the guy I need to talk to isn't in till then.

Advice or experience very welcome! I'm searching the net for answers and muddling myself up even more LOL!

rachel101 said:

I can't for the life of me figure out how the JSA means test works

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Any use?

http://www.citizensinformation.ie/e...ents/means_test_for_jobseekers_allowance.html

I've heard people talking of FIS - would I be better off applying for this?

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Why would you NOT apply for this and any other payment that you might reasonably qualify for?!?

Can't speak to social until next week as the guy I need to talk to isn't in till then.

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Surely you don't have to talk to a specific person to get information about the sort of questions you're asking here?

From an old post of mine:
The calculation goes as follows: (Assuming no large amount of capital,2nd house etc)

Spouses gross wage less PRSI (not USC) less pension,pension levy less Union Subs =Net Income

-Disregard for days worked (e20 per day ,max e60)
leaving x
Weekly means = 60% of x (final figure above)

Welfare payment is max for your situation less weekly means

So,very roughly dh wages 360 less prsi say 10 leaves 350.
Now take 60 off leaving 290.
Your dh's means are 60% of 290 which is 174 .
You say your payment now is 372,so the new payment should be 198.
Hope this helps.

Thanks for that Vandriver! I went to SW last week but was told I need to speak to the inspector for the means test so I'll find out next week but I'm glad to see the end result of the means test might not be as bad as I thought!