Jobseekers Benefit or Allowance?!

Captain Slow IRL

What's the difference between the 2 of these?!

My hours have been cut, and I need to claim benefit for a while (as short a while as possible!) and the social welfare office gave me forms to fill in. The last form I went to fill in (UP 23 9/06) asks me if I want Jobseekers Allowance or Benefit - but I can't make out what's different between the two!

Thanks in advance.

Stark

Afaik, benefit is for people who have a certain amount of PRSI contributions, whereas allowance is for people whose PRSI contributions have run dry.

Captain Slow IRL

Thanks,
I've been paying prsi for the last 9 years - I take it I'm entitled to Benefit?

Stark

Yup.

Captain Slow IRL

cheers, now to find the tippex!:D

Mrs. MacGyver

Usually that form is given to people who may be entitled to reduced rate Jobseeker's Benefit (i.e. if your average gross weekly earnings were less than E150 in 2006) , if Jobseeker's Allowance is at a higher rate that the rate of Benefit you are entitled to then you can opt to go on that - thats what the UP23 form is for.

Captain Slow IRL

thanks for the reply - I was talking to the lady in the welfare office, she helped me fill in the form:o I have it in the car, I'll check out what I ticked - have to hand it in on monday morning