Returning home after 2 years abroad, will I be entitled to JA or JB?

[sask]

Hi All
I am currently living and working in Canada and I am planning on moving home to Ireland in July and I am wondering if I am entitled to any job seekers allowance.
I am 27yrs old, I gave up my job in March 2008 to go traveling, i worked a full time permanent job paying PRSI from 15th July 2005 until 28th of March 2008. I was a student before this time.
I plan to move home and I will start looking for work straight away but I am afraid I will not be entitled to anything from the government because I have not paid PRSI in 2years. I will have to move in with my mother until i find work and can afford to rent my own place.

Will I qualify for JA or JB or rent allowance? I had a looked at the welfare website but I am finding it hard to figure out if i will be entitled to anything.

Thanks in advance

 

[gipimann]

You may not qualify for JB because the PRSI contribution year used for assessment is 2008 and you wouldn't have enough paid for that year.

You may qualify for JA which is means-tested.

As you've been abroad, you may have to satisfy the Habitual Residence Condition before you can qualify for JA - have a look at the SW website for more information on that.

You will not qualify for Rent Supplement as you must have been renting here for 6 months before being able to apply (and you have to meet the HRC condition too).