Temporary VEC Teacher-JB cut-off

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.

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?

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.