Student finishing college - am i able to sign on?

S

student78

Guest
Hi,

I am a mature student, and I went back to college to do a full time Masters in 2007 and due to finish in May 2008. Anyway, my last taxable paycheck was in May 2007 and i have 4 years of income tax paid in Ireland (lived abroad from 2000-2003 when i finished college first time).

Am i entitled to draw my 'stamps' in the period while i actively try seek a job in my new profession? also i currently have a medical card, am i able to hold onto this?

I live independently from my parents and have financed this MSc entirely myself (hence a massive loan to boot), I do receive a maintenance grant.

Any advice would be most welcome about what best to do come end of May?

Kind regards,

student78
 
You may not have sufficient PRSI contributions to qualify for Jobseeker's Benefit - have a look at the "unemployed" section on www.welfare.ie for information on the number of PRSI contributions needed (follow the links to jobseeker's benefit).

You may be eligible for Jobseeker's Allowance, which is means-tested.
 
Thanks for that information. I do have the 104 PRSI contributions needed for Job Seekers benefit but my problem is I won't have worked in exactly 2 years so wonder will there be a problem in applying for this?

Can I avail of student credits for the time I was in college? And is there a waiting period during from when i finish college to when i sign on i wonder?

I am trying to see if i should move home to my parents home and stop paying rent where i currently live or stay where i am and apply for benefits. I have every intention of getting a job but as I think it may take a lot longer than I anticipated.

Many thanks for your help.
 
thanks for that, I'll ring them in advance of finishing up.
 
In order to qualify for Jobseeker's Benefit, you must have >.
  • At least 104 weeks PRSI paid since you first started work
And
  • Have 39 weeks PRSI paid or credited in the relevant tax year (a minimum of 13 weeks must be paid contributions*)
The Relevant Tax Year is the second last complete tax year before the year in which your claim is made. So, for claims made in 2009, the Relevant Tax Year is 2007.

Unfortunately you only have around 20 contributions for the relevent tax year 2007 and you actually need 39 paid contributions to claim JB .
 
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