Q.  I lost my job last year and have been getting Jobseeker’s Benefit since. It’s coming up to 8 months now and I still can’t find work. What happens when my Jobseeker’s Benefit runs out?

30.05.10

Jobseeker’s Benefit is paid for 9 months or a year depending on your PRSI contributions. You should be informed in advance of when your Jobseeker’s Benefit payment will expire and given a form to apply for Jobseeker’s Allowance. This is a means-tested payment so your assets and income (except for your home) are taken into account. You may not qualify if, for example, you own an asset like an investment property (even if it is not bringing in any income) or if your spouse/partner is working.

In some areas there have been delays in processing applications for Jobseeker’s Allowance after Jobseeker’s Benefit has expired. If you qualify for the payment it will be backdated to the date you applied.
If the delay is very long, you could apply to your local Community Welfare Officers for Supplementary Welfare Allowance.

If you have used up your entitlement to Jobseeker's Benefit (JB), you may re-qualify by working and paying the appropriate PRSI contributions for at least 13 weeks. If you are working and getting Jobseeker’s Benefit, as in the case of systematic short-time workers and some part-time workers, the 13 weeks paid contributions can begin once you have claimed JB for 156 days. You must also meet all the other conditions, including that of a substantial loss of employment before making a new claim.

Citizens Information: Buncrana 074 9363496; Carndonagh 074 9373741

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