Part Time - any SW entitlements ?

I work partime 2 days a week. Its been like this for approx 5 years although it was 4 days/week for a small period 3 yrs ago. As things are getting a bit tighter with money now I'm wondering is it possible to claim for anything for the days I'm not working or does the fact that I was never fulltime exclude me. Other side of the question is if I do loose the 2 days I'm working, can I then try claiming anything. Spouse is working full time and I don't appear to qualify for FIS. I've tried phoning SW but left hanging on the phone for ages and ages so thought someone here might be able to help me out. tks

Are you working just two days a week through choice/personal circumstances? If so and you are not genuinely available for/seeking work on the other days then you would not be entitled to Jobseeker's Allowance. I presume that Jobseeker's Benefit and any other PRSI linked benefit payments are irrelevant here on the basis that you most likely don't meet the minimum contribution qualification criteria. As such most or all relevant payments will be means tested on your joint means (savings less a certain amount and income). Have you checked www.CitizensInformation.ie for info on SW payments that may be of relevance here? If you have kids and are minding them for the three days a week then you/your spouse may be able to claim the Home Carer's Tax Credit.

http://www.revenue.ie/en/tax/it/credits/home-carers.html

Are you taxed under joint married assessment? If not then it may be more beneficial to you.

There may be other things that other contributors can suggest.

Hope this helps.

tks Clubman. working 2 days not by choice, thats all there is avail but I'd do more work if could find it and am constantly on the look out and do pick up the odd relief day here and there. Already jointly assessed, and the Homecarers only works until youngest child is 12 and we're just past that. what with children's allowance gone for eldest child (18 but still in school) I'm trying to make what we do have stretch.


edited: just checked and homecarers works till youngest child is 16 so I'm off to claim this again.

In case it helps if you post a more detailed outline of your overall personal/financial situation in the Money Makeover forum (using the template provided) then others may be able to offer some more wide ranging advice and suggestions?