Over means test: any point in signing on?

Hi,

My wife has been out of work for several years. She has never claimed unemployment assistance. She won't get any payments under the JSA, as my income will be taken into account.

Is there any point in her signing on anyway? I'm thinking especially about future access to enterprise funding, which seems to be aimed only at those actually in receipt of payments, but there may other benefits I'm not aware of.

Any advice greatly appreciated!

Yes, if she is available for work, she should sign on, if for no other reason than to receive credited PRSI contributions. This could have impilcations for pension entitlement, and for other benefits she may be entitled to in the future, although if she's not been signing on for more than 2 years, then she'll need to receive at least one paid PRSI contribution before she can sign for credits.

There are a couple of other education/training schemes that include time when you are receiving credits in the qualifying period, but they're limited.

Thanks. Good point about pension credits.

We've looked at the education options, but they all seem to be aimed at people already in receipt of allowance and not just claiming. I suppose it can't do any harm to sign on.