Q.  I finish college this summer. I have been looking for jobs but haven’t found anything yet. I did various part-time jobs while I was in college but gave them up in my final year. Can I sign on when my classes and exams are over?

18.07.10

Third-level students cannot claim Jobseeker’s Allowance or Benefit while they are studying full-time. This disqualification also applies to the summer holiday periods between academic years (unless you are a mature student). However once you have finished college permanently you can claim a jobseeker’s payment if you cannot find work. This is also the case if you leave college without finishing your course.

If you have enough PRSI contributions from your part-time jobs you may qualify for Jobseeker’s Benefit. (For claims in 2010 you must have at least 104 weeks (2 years) PRSI paid since you first started work and either 39 weeks PRSI paid or credited in 2008 or 26 weeks PRSI paid in 2008 and 26 weeks PRSI paid in 2007.)

If you don’t have enough PRSI payments you may qualify for a means-tested Jobseeker’s Allowance. If you are under 25 you get a reduced rate of Jobseeker’s Allowance (with some exceptions). People aged 18-21 get €100 a week and people aged 22-25 get €150 a week. If you are under 24 and live with your parents, their income is also taken into account when assessing your claim (this is called an assessment of the benefit and privilege you get from living with your parents).

Jobseeker's Benefit and Allowance application forms are available online on www.welfare.ie . You can also get an application form at your Social Welfare Local Office. You can get help with filling in your application form at your Social Welfare Local Office or nearest Citizens Information Centre. You will need to bring documents to prove your claim including evidence of your identity and address.

Citizens Information: Buncrana 074 9363496; Carndonagh 074 9373741

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