How to apply for welfare when I finish college?

Countryripple

Hi all,

I am soon to finish up a level 8 degree with zero hope of getting a job in my profession.

I have worked during my time in college, part time up to third year and then had two years out working full time before finishing my 5 year degree. On my years out though, I was able to claim back the tax I had paid from Jan to Sept when I returned to college in the Sept. On one of these years out i recieved social welfare benifit for around 4 weeks as a contract with one company ended and had to find new work.

What I am wondering is, what shall I need to apply for benifit while I am looking for employment? I imagine I need a letter from my college stating that I have finished my course and shall not be returning in Sept. Is there a certain length of time that I must wait before applying? I am just wondering as I intend going to my local office the day after I have finished.

Sorry for all the questions, but there is very little information for this type of situation on any of the websites.

Thanks

need-it

Hi,
Thought i'd join in this thread as it's pretty much the exact same question I have and i'm in the same situation, rather than creating 2 seperate threads.

I'm about to finish up Level 8 degree, hence course finished.
I have a letter from my college stating that my course is finished.
I'm actively seeking jobs - pretty much anything related to my degree

My question, however is... Am I (and the poster above) entitled to claim for Jobseekers (Allowance or benefit - I haven't fully researched it yet as it's definately a last case scenario) straight away once I finish exams, or do I have to wait 6 months? (I read elsewhere that you can be treated as a student for up to 6 months after you leave, but I have a letter from college stating that I have finished my course)

I have worked full-time (if that's the word, full time hours) for every summer of my college stay from June - August, I believe that my PRSI contribution will affect the amount I am entitled to. My question here is what paperwork do I need to show this? (P45?)

Many thanks in advance for any help

snubbleste

Search this forum for 'student'
or
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055553629
or
www.welfare.ie

need-it

Thanks for the info. What I can't calculate is whether i've enough 'stamps' earned to be eligable for benefit, or if i'll have to go down the means-tested route (i'm under 24 and living with one parent)

I've worked every summer for at least the last 5 summers (full time hours from June - August each year) - Wonder if that's enough? I know i'll get an answer for definite when I apply, however would like to have some idea before I go in (So I know whether or not I need to ask parent I live with to get their paperwork to show their income - would save 2 trips)

snubbleste

need-it wrote: »

Thanks for the info. What I can't calculate is whether i've enough 'stamps' earned to be eligable for benefit, or if i'll have to go down the means-tested route (i'm under 24 and living with one parent)

The criteria is outlined under 'Rules' http://www.welfare.ie/EN/Schemes/JobseekerSupports/JobseekersBenefit/Pages/jb.aspx
If in doubt, the SWO will guide you which one to apply for and you can get the additional documentation another time.

need-it

Thanks for that. Had a read of it and looks like I wouldn't be entitled to 'benefit' - It talks about current tax year etc. - i've only paid tax 12 weeks out of 52 for the past few years (ie. summer months)

Looks like it'll be the 'allowance' for me. Will have to look into how to get relivant paperwork to show parents income - I already have everything else:
PPS No
Passport
Proof of address (Have x2 if needed)
P45

Can't think of anything else? Apart from parent income

Or better yet, get a job

Thanks folks