Q.  I am 19. I left school this summer and I have just become eligible to apply for Jobseeker's Allowance. I am living at home with my parents – will this make any difference to how much I will get?

09.10.11

In this situation your parents' income is taken into account in the means assessment. This is called benefit and privilege. It takes account of your parents’ net weekly income from all sources. Capital or savings that your parents have is not assessed. In addition to rent or mortgage outgoings, a family allowance of €600, plus €30 for each dependent child will also be deducted from the income. Then, 34% of the remainder is assessed as benefit and privilege against your payment. This means that you must subtract this amount from your weekly JA which, as you are aged 19, is €100 a week. If your parents’ assessable means are less than the personal rate of JA, you are entitled to a minimum payment of €40 a week. For example if 34% of your parents’ means is €80 and the JA rate for your age is €100 you will get €40, not €20.

If you return to live with your parents after having lived independently either in Ireland or abroad for at least 3 years, benefit and privilege is assessed as €7.00 per week. If you are living with your parents and you are married, in a civil partnership, or cohabiting, you are not assessed for benefit and privilege.

Citizens Information: Buncrana 074 9363496; Carndonagh 074 9373741

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