Now unemployed but holidays booked question

cat09

Ive just been made unemployed after returning from maternity leave and signed on last week to be told probably no money until end June/July.I know theres 1000's in the same boat due to backlog. My problem is as follows: we have flights and accomodation booked and paid for (since end of last year) for the month of July as my husband has a teaching job in Spain.Cant get a refund on either flights or accomodation at this stage.So we're thinking what the hell lets go.......BUT.....how can I work around this with the signing on??Have been told by social that I'll be signing on monthly.Am I eligible for a signing on break? And if yes, does the break allow me a TWO WEEK interval or a MONTH interval? PANIC mode! Can't risk not signing on obviously, especially with the long wait for money.Anyone have an insider view of the system? Anyone know where I could find this out as I cannot get through on the phone EVER to social.I cant go in because of minding 2 children under 3 full time.

mikemac

They don't expect you to remain in Ireland job hunting 52 weeks a year

18. I booked a holiday last year while I was still in employment. If I go on the holiday, will I still get my jobseekers payment?
A person may receive Jobseeker's Benefit or Jobseeker's Allowance for 2 weeks holidays (i.e. 12 days excluding Sundays) in any calendar year. These holidays may be taken abroad.

The person is required to inform the Local Office 2 weeks in advance of their departure and to complete form UP 30. All holiday payments should be made retrospectively, upon confirmation of the position when the person signs on again (on the next normal signing day after their return). If a person goes on holiday for longer than 2 weeks, they may be paid in respect of the first two weeks, but should not receive payment for any period abroad in excess of this.

The qualified adult of a person in receipt of Jobseeker's Benefit may take up to 2 weeks foreign holiday. A disqualification in respect of the increase for a qualified adult should be imposed in respect of any period in excess of 2 weeks. It is not necessary for a UP30 to be completed in respect of a qualified adult.

http://www.welfare.ie/EN/Pages/jajbfaq.aspx#q18

Now that answer for people receiving job seekers but your claim isn't processed yet. But there is an option and maybe ask the staff next week what you can do

While you are away it might be wise to have your parents or trusted friend to check your post while you are away. Maybe the SW will write requesting something and at least someone can check this though they won't be signing for you, they can't after all

cat09

Thanks MikeMac, having a look at some other posts it seems I might have to go to the PO every week as I have only recently signed on. This might scupper my plans....unless you have any other ideas?:)

axer

You get two weeks as per the rules. In the past people used the two weeks from the date of having to sign thus being able to effectively go 6 weeks from one sign on date to another. That has all changed now since you have to pick the money up from the post office especially when they start requesting proof of identification at the post office.

snubbleste

axer wrote: »

You get two weeks as per the rules. In the past people used the two weeks from the date of having to sign thus being able to effectively go 6 weeks from one sign on date to another. ..

When was this?
In the past, you had to give advance notice of when you wanted your two weeks off, sign on before the break and sign on when you returned to job seeking

axer

snubbleste wrote: »

When was this?
In the past, you had to give advance notice of when you wanted your two weeks off, sign on before the break and sign on when you returned to job seeking

Before the new rules about picking up the payments at the post office.

Mrs OBumble

cat09 wrote: »

Thanks MikeMac, having a look at some other posts it seems I might have to go to the PO every week as I have only recently signed on. This might scupper my plans....unless you have any other ideas?:)

TBH, if you want to claim welfare, need to be searching for work in Ireland. If you accompanying your husband while he works overseas for a month, then you will not be searching for work in Ireland, so realistically you won't be eligible for welfare during that time.

Your first post said there's "no money until the end of June/July" - does that mean no work until then? If there is work then, then it seems rather odd that you would be choosing that time to head overseas????

cat09

Well JustMary, twas to have been my summer holidays which as I said before was booked and paid for BEFORE i was made reduntant. I didnt actually plan to be made redundant, therefore I am hardly choosing to be out of the country while Im meant to be looking for work..........if you follow me.....

Mrs OBumble

cat09 wrote: »

Well JustMary, twas to have been my summer holidays which as I said before was booked and paid for BEFORE i was made reduntant. I didnt actually plan to be made redundant, therefore I am hardly choosing to be out of the country while Im meant to be looking for work..........if you follow me.....

Sorry, I missed the bit about redundant, I mis-interpreted that there was work available in July, rather than benefit money.

Anyways: you've just come back from maternity leave and you're planning on heading off for another month in July??? I hate to break it to you, but the celtic tiger caught a virus, and is now more of a celtic house-cat, who can't afford overseas holidays every year!

Yes, you've booked flights and accommodation. These were at a reduced rate, therefore are non-refundable, but you chose to take the risk that something would stop you going and that you would therefore lose the cost. "Something" has happened. Sometimes life is like that. You took the risk ...

wtd2008

What is your issue JustMary? The girl was only asking for advice not a superficial and patronising synopisis of the state of the economy, which even the dogs in the street know about. God some people!...or maybe you are just a Troll?

snubbleste

axer wrote: »

Before the new rules about picking up the payments at the post office.

Even before the new rule about collecting new claims payments in the PO
You had to sign on every month and then when you gave notice of a holiday, you signed on before you went away and then two weeks later when you got back and then resumed normal monthly signing. So a 6 week break wasn't possible in those circumstances