Christmas bonus - gone!!

Richard Dower

OMG! :mad: ...and they are cutting rent suppliment, i can't belive this!!!!!

:mad:

TwoShedsJackson

Get a job, hippy.

BaconZombie

The fact you are calling it a "christmas bonus" is why it's going....

Richard Dower wrote: »

OMG! :mad: ...and they are cutting rent suppliment, i can't belive this!!!!!

:mad:

KittyeeTrix

I know,
It's hard enough at xmas but what the hell are we gonna do now?
You want to check out the 2009 budget as it happens thread, there are people in there saying that the welfare payments should all have been reduced!!!!!!
Honest to god, I don't get some people!!!!!!
I'll tell you what's gonna happen.... more young suicides, there is already a huge increase in suicide rates and cutting the dole for under 20's will tip many over the edge!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

KittyeeTrix

TwoShedsJackson wrote: »

Get a job, hippy.

Where do you want him to get this job, on the moon?
If you want to be rude and obnoxious do it somewhere else..............

oscarBravo

I'll do the moderating, thanks.

Thomas_S_Hunterson

fluffyorganic1 wrote: »

I know,
It's hard enough at xmas but what the hell are we gonna do now?
You want to check out the 2009 budget as it happens thread, there are people in there saying that the welfare payments should all have been reduced!!!!!!
Honest to god, I don't get some people!!!!!!
I'll tell you what's gonna happen.... more young suicides, there is already a huge increase in suicide rates and cutting the dole for under 20's will tip many over the edge!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You don't have to celebrate xmas.

thebman

Cost of living has dropped but standard welfare is at the same level.

It is simple, save until the next budget when this will be dropped I imagine.

I don't have a problem with a reduction in rent supplement either. Rents have dropped massively. I think single people getting rent allowance have a very good standard of living at the moment.

I believe in protecting them, I believe in not making them have to live on crap food and I think it should cover some extra entertainment. I think the current welfare allowances are more than enough.

Anyone complaining is either not on it or doesn't realise the state of the economy in which case you mustn't be looking for work.

johnnyskeleton

Think of it another way, they are not abolishing it they are just linking it to productivity.

Rent allowance reductions will only affect private landlords, not people on social welfare.

The cut of dole by 50% for under 20s is dramatic though - I presume FAS course applicants will not be affected.

Richard Dower

Rents have nor gone down for me and many i know, cost of living has not been enough to keep pace with the costs of goods and staples. It's easy for those working to say....don't celebrate Xmas, which i think is very unfair to those with small children, the dole is hard enough at Xmas without this extra burden.

breadmonkey

Excuse my ignorance but what exactly is a "Christmas Bonus"? Does this apply to public or private sector? Thanks.

johnnyskeleton

breadmonkey wrote: »

Excuse my ignorance but what exactly is a "Christmas Bonus"? Does this apply to public or private sector? Thanks.

There is a double dole payment a few weeks before Christmas.

thebman

thebman wrote: »

Cost of living has dropped

Has it, I must of been left out then

KittyeeTrix

oscarBravo wrote: »

I'll do the moderating, thanks.

Sorry about that Oscar Bravo, got a little hot under my collar there for a few mins!!!!
Won't happen again
Sorry:)

wolfpawnat

breadmonkey wrote: »

Excuse my ignorance but what exactly is a "Christmas Bonus"? Does this apply to public or private sector? Thanks.

Its a double payment of dole or pensions for one week so you get €408 rather than €204 at Christmas

useful_contacts

wolfpawnat wrote: »

Its a double payment of dole or pensions for one week so you get €408 rather than €204 at Christmas

What i always found funny is you had to be on the dole 15 months to qualify for this christmas bonus

Just REWARD people for staying on the dole longer

wolfpawnat

useful_contacts wrote: »

What i always found funny is you had to be on the dole 15 months to qualify for this christmas bonus

Just REWARD people for staying on the dole longer

Seriously, I'm only on it since last week so I wont miss what I never had, but yes I agree, I am only on the dole because of no job:( I dont want to be on it!!!

KittyeeTrix

Have they done anything about re-introducing college fees?

wolfpawnat

not yet fluffyorganic1. From what I understand they said that the Min for Education is going to discuss that!

Doubs

useful_contacts wrote: »

What i always found funny is you had to be on the dole 15 months to qualify for this christmas bonus

Just REWARD people for staying on the dole longer

Agreed, it's ridiculous.

I mentioned this in the main 'as it happens' thread, but (IMO)people who complain about the bonus being cut are what's wrong with the country, it's 8 months away ffs, terrible attitude.

I have a couple of friends who are long time claimers (due to being able to survive on the dole and not looking for work very hard), and they call it 'double dole' with a laugh and a grin - and while this isn't the case for everyone obviously, it's a joke.

Knifey_Spoony

fluffyorganic1 wrote: »

Have they done anything about re-introducing college fees?

I could be wrong, but I thought there was an announcement a few weeks ago saying the reintroduction of fees definitely wont happen this Sept, but the one after.
I could be wrong though. Nothing about it yet in todays budget.

brianthebard

useful_contacts wrote: »

What i always found funny is you had to be on the dole 15 months to qualify for this christmas bonus

No you don't.

super_furry

There's eight months between now and Christmas.

Do people expect to still be on the dole by then and if so, when do you think you'll be able to find work?

wolfpawnat

super_furry wrote: »

There's eight months between now and Christmas.

Do people expect to still be on the dole by then and if so, when do you think you'll be able to find work?

No one can get a job. There are accountants and architechs applying for jobs in Mc Donalds! I would take a job brushing the streets if it was available. Nowadays it isnt dossers on the dole, it is the unemployed who want to be working as well as the dossers!

seamus

Richard Dower wrote: »

It's easy for those working to say....don't celebrate Xmas, which i think is very unfair to those with small children, the dole is hard enough at Xmas without this extra burden.

Here's what you do: Plan. Most of the rest of us don't get any kind of "bonus" at Christmas and yet we somehow find a way to work within our means and enjoy christmas.

mandandpeter

seamus wrote: »

Here's what you do: Plan. Most of the rest of us don't get any kind of "bonus" at Christmas and yet we somehow find a way to work within our means and enjoy christmas.

Yes but you work so you get more money! Minimum wage minimum, we get less than minimum wage! I plan everyweek and still only end up with a few cents left over a week, Jobs are very hard to come by these days as someone has already said proffessionals are either signing on or applying for jobs at mc donalds!

Spud83

mandandpeter wrote: »

Yes but of you work then you get more money! Minimum wage, we get less than minimum wage!

So you should get the same amount of money as someone that is working?

KittyeeTrix

super_furry wrote: »

There's eight months between now and Christmas.

Do people expect to still be on the dole by then and if so, when do you think you'll be able to find work?

I imagine people will be able to find work when there actually some jobs being created rather than being cut!!!!!!!!!!
Funny how a recession makes finding a job even harder !!!

I agree there are some people out there who are just taking the mick out of the welfare system but the majority are on it and absolutely hate it!!

I have friends who have been looking for work for the past year and can't even get an interview

Sierra Oscar

Sorry lads, but just be thankful welfare did not receive more cuts as was needed.

The government cannot pay for Christmas, we are going through one of the worst recessions in history.

Maybe skip Christmas for one year, it sounds dreadful but we are still trying to live in the Celtic Tiger era even though our economy is in a tailspin.

nice_guy80

you're able to afford internet access? there's one thing you could cut back on... join a library, us the net there for free to check emails

97i9y3941

not surprised,we have one of the most generious welfare system in europe,and yes the cost of living has come down aswell,not surprised cutting it for under 20s either,most them would be still living at home

kilns

I believe the dole should be reduced the longer a person has been on it. There have been people sitting on the dole even in the good time with no intention of getting a job and have no intention now, these are the people who should be hit and we all know who these kind of people are

Bill-e

Well you have 8 months to put away a little bit at a time to make up for christmas.

I work in a bar part time and earn pretty much what the dole is. I don't get a christmas bonus. There are many jobs out there, some people feel that they are above such work. Not me.

mandandpeter

nice_guy80 wrote: »

you're able to afford internet access? there's one thing you could cut back on... join a library, us the net there for free to check emails

I would but i need the internet to stay in contact with my family and friends in england, dont say you can move back because my husband is irish and his family is here! and plus the price of bus fare these days it would end up costing more going in and out of town and paying for internet access there! and before you say it, i do not have a phone either lol

But i am sure we will deal with it and manage.

smileysurfer

alanmurphy83 wrote: »

So you should get the same amount of money as someone that is working?

Took the words right out of my mouth! The very thought is ridiculous!! :eek:

Spud83

mandandpeter wrote: »

I would but i need the internet to stay in contact with my family and friends in england, dont say you can move back because my husband is irish and his family is here! and plus the price of bus fare these days it would end up costing more going in and out of town and paying for internet access there! and before you say it, i do not have a phone either lol

But i am sure we will deal with it and manage.

steal your neighbors its easy.

suitseir

Spending at Christmas, in any case, has gone OTT! It results in nothing but waste after it, be it on food, toys (that children are usually fed up with on 26th. December!). It is evident in the Christmas shopping trollies----loading up as if the supermarkets were never going to open again and as for the amount of tinnies bought! I believe that in a lot of cases, that is where this bonus goes. And then you have the credit union loans for Christmas. I think this cut is a good thing....it will make people to have SENSIBLE Christmas spending from now on!

It is the one time of the year where I DO NOT fill my trolly and I DO NOT go OTT with present buying. You set an amount for what you want to spend and you also limit the number of people you are buying for. DISCIPLINE is the name of the game. When you get something for nothing, you just blow it on rubbish!

KittyeeTrix

Sierra Oscar wrote: »

Sorry lads, but just be thankful welfare did not receive more cuts as was needed.

The government cannot pay for Christmas, we are going through one of the worst recessions in history.

Maybe skip Christmas for one year, it sounds dreadful but we are still trying to leave in the Celtic Tiger era even though our economy is in a tailspin.

I agree with you SierraOscar.
We are a family with 4 kids who are currently on the dole. I went back to college last September to try to better our life in the future.
I just can't understand how some people don't realise how hard it is to be on the dole and cope, especially at a time like xmas.
How you put your post was with a little compassion and was not harsh, I commend you for that:)
Of course we will manage but it's even harder when you have people using terms like spongers and lazy!!!!!!

joeystrider

If everybody else, included lower income earners, are being taxed so too should social welfare receive a reduction. I don't think enough has been done.

More should be done to target welfare fraud and abuse. Perhaps it should be means tested. As in those who live at home, pay no rent, should have lower welfare payments.

People who have been on the dole for many years, without legitimate excuse, should have their welfare reduced, just as under 20 job seekers.

This would allow those who are in dire need of the dole and actively seeking work to receive help.

As for the Christmas bonus? I don't get one and I work only a little over the dole. People need to live within their means. If you don't have a job, it is bad, however you need to adapt. Hard but necessary. Buy small gifts and reduce on elaborate spending. Really need all the trappings? Christmas is, after all, a holiday celebrating love - not material items and increased spending.

shoutman

The fact that the Christmas "bonus" was never means tested was ridiculous in the first place. It is a reasonable idea, the poorest in our society can not afford the increased costs of putting on christmas. Be it their fault or otherwise I think it would be a sad day if a kid woke up on christmas morning and had no presents because the parent or parents couldn't afford it. The fact of the matter is i'm sure every year this happens, but purely through the fault of the parents wanting to go drinking etc instead.

That is why groups like the SVP go about collecting toys to distribute over christmas.
This idea of a double payment is and always was ludicrous. My girlfriend was on the dole for a short time and rang up the dole office saying that their was a mistake and that she had been given too much money only to learn about this double payment. It allowed her to get a nice new dress and a new pair of shoes.

Likewise with the under 20 jobseekers allowance. The majority of people who are claiming this are or could be living at home with their parents where it is not necessary to be getting €200 a week. I know of people who claimed this allowance and lived in Bundoran surfing for the year, easily getting by on this payment and only ever looking for token work so they would not be cut off.

The fact is that both of the above should be means tested, it's hard to do but must be done. No doubt there are under 20's doing their darndest, looking for jobs, have no family home to go to and will now be knocking on the doors of charities to help them out. These people will be the vast minority but they must be taken care of.

It's going to be a tough few years, but I think people complaining about not getting enough free money from the government does my head in.

97i9y3941

its means tested for those who are under 24 and live at home,and yes i agree with you,more should be done on the abuse of it,also i think we need a thatcher type person to tell the e.u that ireland shoundnt pay for kids that dont even live in the country

Sierra Oscar

fluffyorganic1 wrote: »

I agree with you SierraOscar.
We are a family with 4 kids who are currently on the dole. I went back to college last September to try to better our life in the future.
I just can't understand how some people don't realise how hard it is to be on the dole and cope, especially at a time like xmas.
How you put your post was with a little compassion and was not harsh, I commend you for that:)
Of course we will manage but it's even harder when you have people using terms like spongers and lazy!!!!!!

Indeed - more means testing was/is needed.

Richard Dower

alanmurphy83 wrote: »

steal your neighbors its easy.

That's what i do!

I think we should make a distinction between the two groups of people cunnrently on the dole. There are those on it through necessitity ie, those who recently lost their job and are unable to find another. And then there are those on it simply so they don't have to work, ie thsoe long term claimants often in case entire families.

JBoyle4eva

I think this year, the Boards Santa Strike Force should aim to help the children of unemmployed parents and gaurdians who will struggle at Christmas by donating to the likes of SVP as well as donating to the children in hospital

mandandpeter

alanmurphy83 wrote: »

steal your neighbors its easy.

:D lol so u are telling me to commit a crime now :D

Naa kidding i have a empty house 1 side and the other side does not have internet!

joeystrider

Deleted User wrote: »

I think we should make a distinction between the two groups of people cunnrently on the dole. There are those on it through necessitity ie, those who recently lost their job and are unable to find another. And then there are those on it simply so they don't have to work, ie thsoe long term claimants often in case entire families.

YEs exactly. I agree with this entirely. Or those who work minimum hours in order to maintain the dole... Those people should be hunted out. The dole should be protected for those who need protecting.

NTLsucks

what the hell...no xmas bonus!! that is not gonna go down well at all, hitting the poorest section of soceity again as usual. and rent allowance gone down too, there's goes my one night out a week if i have to spend more money on rent. this budget is a ****ing joke.

useful_contacts

brianthebard wrote: »

No you don't.

really? so citizens information are lying to people so are they:rolleyes:

KittyeeTrix

Deleted User wrote: »

I think we should make a distinction between the two groups of people cunnrently on the dole. There are those on it through necessitity ie, those who recently lost their job and are unable to find another. And then there are those on it simply so they don't have to work, ie thsoe long term claimants often in case entire families.

+1

NTLsucks

NTLsucks wrote: »

what the hell...no xmas bonus!! that is not gonna go down well at all, hitting the poorest section of soceity again as usual. and rent allowance gone down too, there's goes my one night out a week if i have to spend more money on rent. this budget is a ****ing joke.

Try being a student who gets absolutly nothign form the government. If I had deferred the year I could have signed on and made a killing when I went abck as a mature student. Being 22 and 9 months when returnign to college after signing on for just over 6 months meant that I did'nt get a penny.