Graduates and the Dole

segaBOY

A lot of new graduates are/will be unemployed-I am wondering is it possible for them to claim any form of supports? A lot of graduates would have a few months of PRSI paid through summer work but not the full two years-are they entitled to anything if they cannot get a job?

lolli

You can claim Jobseekers Allowance which is means tested.

Rowley Birkin QC

I'm in the same boat, will be graduating at the start of June. Have applied for reams of jobs but prospects aren't looking great. My gf has a 5 month contract lined up for when she finishes college, in June also. Hoping to stay in Dublin with her for those 5 months and then take up a Masters in January.

How much is the jobseekers allowance and would we be eligible for some kind of rent assistance? I'm hoping to get a job doing something, anything, but just preparing for the worst.

I've worked every opportunity I've had out of college, summers, xmas etc. so I've paid in my fair share of tax if that makes any difference. I'm also 24 if that makes any difference.

lolli

Once you are under 25 its means tested on your parents income so what you will get off the social welfare will all depend on how much your parents are taking home.

Rowley Birkin QC

What a load of ****. I've never qualified for a single grant of any kind because my parents are marginally over the threshold so I'm guessing I won't get anything this time either despite having paid into the system at every chance I got. :-(

lolli

Yeah I know it sucks, I was claiming my stamps and they are up now so I had to apply for job seekers allowance so it'll be fun to see how much they'll give me based on my parents. Kev sure theres no harm in applying anyway and see what happens.