Reduced Jobseekers Allowance Because im renting out two rooms

Hi
I have recently applied for Jobseekers allowance (which is means tested) and have received the result of my means test, which seems to suggest that I have a means of €148 per week (adding the two rents from my two tennants together and dividing by 4)

I have no means and have to put €400 with the rents I get to pay the mortgage

Is this right, if it is ill prob get about €45 per week

Any help/suggestions appreciated

Here is the appropriate section from the operational guidelines on Means Assessment:

Any cash income from the portion of a house that is not personally used or enjoyed, is assessable against the claimant as income.

....If rooms are let furnished, 5% of the gross amount received are allowed for wear and tear and 15% of the gross receipts maybe allowed for voids (i.e. periods when accommodation vacant between lettings).

From reading this, the amount of rent assessed should be the actual rent received less 20%. Check that this has been done on your means assessment.

You may qualify for Mortgage Interest Supplement - have you applied?

Thanks gipimann that at least makes a bit more sense . Otherwise Id be better off kicking tennants out. No havnt applied for Mortgage Supplement yet.

Whole thing seems ridiculous, If I was Living in Councill accommodation i.e. they were paying for my accommodation, I would be entitled to full Jobseekers allowance. Get a mortgage and a few tennants to help pay it and you get €40 Jobseekers allowance.

Council tenants pay rent, it isn't "paid for them". The amount of rent paid might be less than the going rate because it is based on income.