:: Your Citizens Information Archive 2011

• Q. I was told to apply for Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) while I wait for a decision on Jobseeker’s Allowance. What is SWA and where do I apply?
  Answer - click here 18.12.11

• Q. I work a 5-day week, Monday to Friday. What days off will I get at Christmas?
  Answer - click here 11.12.11

• Q. I have ordered some Christmas presents from UK and Belgian websites. Can I return them if I’m not happy when they arrive?
  Answer - click here 04.12.11

• Q. I have recently been awarded my state pension. Will I be eligible for the free Flu Vaccine this winter?
  Answer - click here 28.11.11

• Q. I recently had a walk-in bath fitted in my home to accommodate my elderly father who has limited mobility. I paid VAT on the appliance itself and on the cost of having it fitted. Can I clam this VAT back?
  Answer - click here 20.11.11

• Q. I turn 65 next year and will qualify for a State Pension (Transition). However I see that the conditions state that you cannot be in insurable employment. I will be retired from work but I get a small income from rent from an investment property I own and I pay Class S PRSI contributions on this income. Does this mean that I won’t qualify for the Transition Pension?
  Answer - click here 13.11.11

• Q. My neighbour is planning to build a large extension and I am really worried that it will block light into my kitchen and garden. What can I do about this?
  Answer - click here 07.11.11

• Q. I understand there is a new incentive for me to buy out my rented council house. What are the details?
  Answer - click here 01.11.11

• Q. I work part-time and my working hours are irregular. What public holiday entitlement have I?
  Answer - click here 23.10.11

• Q. Last May I entered into a civil partnership. We both work and pay tax as single people. How will we be taxed as civil partners?
  Answer - click here 17.10.11

• 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?
  Answer - click here 09.10.11

• Q. I have been working for ten years but am about to lose my job. How do I apply for Jobseeker’s Benefit?
  Answer - click here 03.10.11

• Q. I am thinking of saving money by cycling to work instead of getting the bus. How do I claim the tax relief on a new bike?
  Answer - click here 26.09.11

• Q. I have moved house since the last presidential election. How can I make sure that I can vote in the upcoming one?
  Answer - click here 18.09.11

• Q. My husband had a small business, and is now retired and is getting a State pension. Can I get a State Pension in my own right?
  Answer - click here 11.09.11

• Q. My husband has just lost his job, so I think that we will qualify for a medical card now. What is the best way to apply?
  Answer - click here 04.09.11

• Q. I am a pensioner and I get the Household Benefits Package. What will the recent changes to this scheme mean to me?
  Answer - click here 28.08.11

• Q. I would like to go to Germany to look for work. Can my Jobseeker’s payment be transferred to there?
  Answer - click here 22.08.11

• Q. If a couple who were engaged to marry end the engagement, what happens to any wedding gifts they may have received?
  Answer - click here 17.08.11

• Q. I cannot find my passport but I will need it next month. How do I replace it?
  Answer - click here 01.08.11

• Q. I’m hoping to go to college this year. Can I get a maintenance grant?
  Answer - click here 24.07.11

• Q. My brother aged 50 has lived in Northern Ireland all his life but now wants to sell his house and move south, closer to me. He is deaf from birth and receives Incapacity Benefit and the care component of Disability Living Allowance. Will his benefits be affected if he comes to live in this jurisdiction?
  Answer - click here 18.07.11

• Q. I graduated from college last year and am claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance as I have not been able to find a job. I heard that the Government had announced a scheme that would help people get work experience. Is this true?
  Answer - click here 10.07.11

• Q. My daughter and I are planning a holiday in France and Switzerland this summer. Am I liable to pay for any medical costs if we get ill and I don’t take out insurance?
  Answer - click here 05.07.11

• Q. I got the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance last year and am wondering how to apply again this year for the payment?
  Answer - click here 26.06.11

• Q. I live in Donegal but have just found work in Derry. What do I do about making an income tax return and will I be liable for PRSI?
  Answer - click here 20.06.11

• Q. My passport is out of date. How do I get it renewed and is it free as I am over 65?
  Answer - click here 13.06.11

• Q. I recently lost my job and have spare time available so am thinking of volunteering. Will my Jobseeker’s Benefit payment be affected?
  Answer - click here 06.06.11

• Q. I’m 18 and hope to go to college in the autumn. What do I do about a grant as my parents are both unemployed and can’t afford to help me financially?
  Answer - click here 29.05.11

• Q. I own a holiday cottage in the West as well as my main home. I am currently selling the property and the sale will close in May 2011. Does the new owner have to pay the Non Principal Private Residence Charge on this property and how do I transfer responsibility for it to them?
  Answer - click here 22.05.11

• Q. I co-own a house with my sister and we pay the mortgage jointly. I lost my job and I am now getting Jobseeker’s Benefit but am struggling to pay my share of the mortgage. Since my sister is working full-time I don’t think I can get Mortgage Interest Supplement. Is there any other help available?
  Answer - click here 15.05.11

• Q. What’s the difference between a medical card and a GP visit card?
  Answer - click here 09.05.11

• Q. Multi-Unit Developments Act. What are the changes to the rules about apartment management companies?
  Answer - click here 02.05.11

• Q. What are the changes to One-Parent Family Payment? I heard that it will be discontinued when your child turns 14. I have three children who are all under 14 at the moment. How will this affect me?
  Answer - click here 16.04.11

• Q. I’m just about to move into rented accommodation and my landlord lives abroad. I’ve been told that I have to pay part of the rent to Revenue and that I am liable if I don’t do this. Is this correct and how do I do this?
  Answer - click here 11.04.11

• Q. I turn 17 in April and I want to learn how to drive a car. What do I need to do?
  Answer - click here 03.04.11

• Q. I am looking at my census form and question 22 asks whether I provide regular unpaid personal help for a friend or family member with a long-term illness or disability. I look after my elderly parents and get Carer’s Allowance from the Department of Social Protection. Does this count as payment?
  Answer - click here 27.03.11

• Q. I have recently lost my job and I am really struggling to pay my mortgage. I’m worried that I will lose my tracker rate. What help can I get, if any?
  Answer - click here 20.03.11

• Q. What are the changes to the National Age Card Scheme?
  Answer - click here 13.03.11

• Q. I am confused about the changes to the Student Services Charge. Why is it more for the first child and less for the second child in a family?
  Answer - click here 06.03.11

• Q. I earn the minimum wage. From the 1st of February the minimum wage has been reduced from €8.65 to €7.65. Does this mean that my wages for February will be reduced by €1 an hour?
  Answer - click here 28.02.11

• Q. What is the registration process for same-sex partners now that the entitlement has been signed into law?
  Answer - click here 20.02.11

• Q. I’d like to apply for the new Tús community work placement scheme. What’s the procedure?
  Answer - click here 13.02.11

• Q. I have four children. The last two are twins and I am confused about what Child Benefit payment I will get for them following the Budget. Are they both treated as the third child or are they treated separately?
  Answer - click here 06.02.11

• Q. Am I too late to vote in the upcoming general election – how can I make sure that I am on the register for elections?
  Answer - click here 30.01.11

• Q. I am a medical card holder. My pharmacy recently charged me above the monthly cap of €10 for my prescriptions. Why did this happen?
  Answer - click here 23.01.11

• Q. What are my consumer rights when I buy something in the sales? Can I return sales items?
  Answer - click here 16.01.11

• Q. I am on Jobseeker’s Allowance. I have three boys aged 15, 17 and 18. They are all in full-time education. I stopped getting Child Benefit for my 18-year old in 2010 but I got an extra payment of €15 every week with my Jobseeker’s increase for him. Will I get this in 2011 when my next child turns 18?
  Answer - click here 09.01.11

• Q. What is the new Universal Social Charge? Who has to pay it?
  Answer - click here 04.01.11

> Citizens Information

Citizens Information: Buncrana 074 9363496; Carndonagh 074 9373741