Temporary VEC Teacher-JB cut-off

[guinness]

I have been working in the same VEC for the past 5 years whilst on a temporary contract. I have claimed Jobseekers benefit for each of the last 4 summers and also including christmas and easter breaks. I assummed this would continue through this summer but after claiming JB for the first 6 weeks of the summer i was sent a letter saying that i had not enough stamps to continue to be eligible. I have tried repeatedly to get through to the local SW office but to no avail. Does anyone have a view on why the JB would cease this year if i was entitled to it in each of the past 5. I work the full 5 day in all other weeks of the year.

 

[Welfarite]

It may be that you exhausted your 312 day entitlement (claining each summer, easter, halloween adn christmas would 'link' all claims to one oeriod of 312 days probably) and that a new claim was based on 2008 record which is deficient; Only way of finding out is to call in to them if you can't get them on phone. did you get a letetr stating the exact reasons?

 

[guinness]

thanks Welfarite, i dont have the letter to hand but will look later but from Recollection it did say i was close to breaching the number of days entitlement. Assuming that is the reason for the stoppage. What are my options? Is there a reduced rate of JB available or would i have to apply for JA? Can any of the PRSI i have paid in 2009 (Jan-May) be taken into account. I am due to start back to work at the end of Aug.