Q.  My employer plans to reduce my working week. Is there any extra payment I can get towards supporting my family and paying my mortgage?

07.03.10

If you are working a three-day week or less, you may qualify for Jobseeker's Benefit for the other days, provided you are not employed for more than 3 days in 6, and have enough social insurance (PRSI) contributions. You must also be capable of, available for and genuinely seeking full-time work. Apply at your Social Welfare Local Office. To save time, you can download the application form (UP 1) from www.welfare.ie and fill it in as far as possible before you call to the office.

Alternatively, you may be able to get Family Income Supplement (you cannot claim both). This is a payment for families at work on low pay, including single-parent families. You must have at least one dependent child and you (and/or your spouse or partner) must be working a total of 19 hours or more per week (or 38 hours per fortnight). If you already get FIS, you may now be entitled to a higher rate of payment.

If you or your spouse/partner are working less than 30 hours per week you may (under certain conditions) also qualify for Mortgage Interest Supplement. This is a weekly means-tested payment to help with the interest portion (only) of your mortgage repayments in the short term.
Apply to the Community Welfare Officer at your local health centre.

Citizens Information: Buncrana 074 9363496; Carndonagh 074 9373741

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