Claiming Social Welfare While Doing FE-1s

Balding Brendan

Hi,

I recently finished college and was lucky enough to secure a traineeship during my final year, which I will (hopefully) be starting in September 2010.

I now have to study hard and pass the FE-1s. I'll probably do 4 in Autumn and 4 in Spring.

I'm just wondering, does anyone think it would be immoral of me to claim social welfare while doing the FE-1s? I've worked part-time throughout college, paying PRSI the entire time, but was let go from that a few weeks ago.

I've been trying to find another part-time job (because I need some money to help me survive while studying for the FE-1s) but to no avail.

I would have no problem doing this if I did not have a traineeship secured; however, given that I have a job offer, and am due to start in September 2010, it doesn't really feel like the right thing to do. I wonder what the firm would think if they found out (I doubt they'd care). Do you think this is social welfare fraud, even?

By the way, I realise that securing a traineeship is extremely difficult at the moment, and I don't wish my post to come across as insensitive. To people who haven't yet secured the traineeship, keep trying - you'll get there in the end.

Thanks for any comments.

_JOE_

Your question is answered here http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055289757&page=6

McCrack

Brendan,

Your situation is a little different from the one described in that link, I say a little because technically you are not entitled to JB either as you are not actively seeking work (you are studying) BUT...

I really can't say more without breaking the charter but you get my drift.

That's the legal issue, the moral one is entirely up to you.

Balding Brendan

Joe, that does not answer my question.

McCrack, thanks for the reply. Technically, though, I am actively seeking work - but just on a temporary, part-time basis to help me get through the exams.

It's a difficult one because I feel that I am entitled to some assistance to help me get through these exams. I have contributed PRSI for four years and am genuinely looking for work at the moment. Unlike some, I don't have the benefit of being able to rely on my parents for hand-outs. And yet, given that I have a job lined up to start in 16 months time, it seems perhaps ethically wrong to claim any welfare payments.

partyguinness

Mate when you start working you will be paying back tax several times what you might claim now so dont worry about it.

If you are that worried about the morals then perhaps you are going into the wrong profession...;)