The Dole.. Can I get it?

AmyTakesPhotos

Hey, Im a photography student and have been working my ass off all year to pass it. Ive struggled to pay for supplies this year. Im 19 in May. My Dad is in full time employment but has enough bills to pay without giving me money! My Mum works once every 2 weeks.. shes a nurse. I have two bros.
Im getting off for my summer holidays on May 1st and Im not back in college till September 23rd my second year. Ive been handing out CVs since Feburary and so far no luck Id say Ive handed out around 60. Ive become members on Jobs.ie and Monster. Im getting desperate now because my time in college this year is nearly up and Ive got 5 months off with no money.

Im just wondering am I able to claim the dole for those 5 months?
I would only need about 80 euro or less to keep me going for the week.
Im not a big spender. I just need money. This year has been a struggle already and I would like to try to relax or enjoy my summer.
Dosent really look hopeful now. This happened last year after the LC and I sat in for months

Anyone know if I qualify?
Im heading down to the Social Welfare Office the day I finish college, Im still handing out CVs too so if anyone knows anywhere thats hiring...

Thanks.
Amy :S

DenMan

Hi Amy

You should be able to sign on and claim Unemployment Assistance over the summer. The only problem is that it may take quite a bit of time to processs (in some cases up to 12 weeks). And with the budget yesterday everybody under the age of 20 will have their entitlements halved. So it will be 100 euro per week. Will you be able to live on that? Good luck with your photography and your application with the social welfare.

Den

monkeyfudge

Moved to State Benefits forum.

AmyTakesPhotos

Thanks for the help.
I was just clueless, I hope I either get a job or some type of benefit.
Ill let you know how I get on.

stereo_steve

Correct me if I'm wrong but I thought it was nothing like 200pw when you live with your parents? Thought it was more like 70? Which is obviously now halved? Hence it should be 35 pw?

Also op, your not unemployed so I don't see how you can claim unemployment benefit? You a student.

Maybe I'm wrong? Either way OP your best bet is to go down to the local SW office.

AmyTakesPhotos

I know its 200, Im just saying I would be happy with less than that.
Yeah Ive no idea if I can get it but Im going to try. I couldnt get any student benefits with my college during the year and my parents were forking out 100 euro a month just on travel. Its just a pain because Ive tried so hard to get a job.

stereo_steve

Can I ask what college you are going to? If its a course you are paying for yourself, you may be entitled to a tax refund which might sort you out a bit.

Also, have you had any jobs in the last few years where you paid tax? Perhaps you can claim that back? Many students loose out on not claiming money back.

I was in Lazy Days Cafe about three weeks ago on the Avoca Road in Blackrock. (I have absolutely no affiliation with them!) Anyway they had a note on the door saying looking for part time work.

Good luck

AmyTakesPhotos

Im in IADT Dunlaoghaire and I live in Swords.
Ive never had a proper job other than babysitting, even though Ive been looking for the past 3 summers now.
Ill head out to Blackrock at the weekend and hand in a cv.
Thank you

artyeva

the OP would not be able to claim for jobseekers benefit as they have not clocked up the required amount of prsi contributions.

thay may be able to apply for jobseekers assistance. this is means tested.

OP - contact your local citizens information office.

here's a link to where you'll find the office nearest you.