Reduced amount dole question and question on training courses

tomtyper

Hi just want to start a thread here trying to clarify some questions I have as my local dole office are extremely unhelpful.



Im a 19 year old that has the full amount of stamps required to claim full dole as I have worked for the past 3 years both full and part time.


However after the long wait since the end of january I finally got good news that My claim would be finally available.


I went up today to get my social services card etc so i can definitaly get it on friday. I was curious to see the amount i was to receive but it seems I am being put on a reduced amount:mad: 130 a week

Apparently its becuase my average weekly earnings were not more than 300 for the past 3 years.:(


I was working part time while i was trying to further my education and was living on a literal shoe string, I ate beans on toast for months straight to save my pennys to pay to run my car, tax it and insure it not to mention paying fees etc. for education.

Then i took up a full time contract with the company but at christmas I was reduced to one day a week totalling 6 hours a week worth of pay:eek:


After a new job failed to materialise I had to give in and head to the dole office. I was givin cards for casual work etc.


I filled them out religiously and even included any days i managed to get extra as i wanted to be as honest as possible.


So even my backdated pay is going to be reduced, it will start off as 130 a week less the days i worked so about a 100 a week. So even with the lump some I get i will be unable to pay back even a fraction of my debts:(


My bank loan costs me 50 a week, and my car insurance costs me 40 then theres petrol, road tax and other sundries on top of that not to mention paying for food and drink on top of that.


I have been forced to move back home, sell my car for a cheaper car which is cheaper to run, but givin the state of the 2nd car market i struggled to get a 3rd of what i paid:o



I cant really ask my dad either as he is a widower working full time(barely) with 2 other dependants in the house still in primary and secondary school.



Honestly im at the end of my tether! Im 19 and my hair has started to fall out from stress:eek: I cannot see any logical way of how im going to be able to afford to live:o I need my car so i can expand my searching for a job into a broader area or if i can get a course placement plus it would be yet another loss if i sold up etc. as i wouldnt make enough to pay my loan back etc.


I have heard if i do get a fas course i am eligible to receive the full 204 am I right?

That would be ideal for me as I will be bettering education and skills to help myself in the future and I will be able to manage my finances.


I apply for tens of jobs daily in the hope il get something but very little is matrialising:(




Please help me with advice



I have checked my p60 and it seems my average earnings were indeed under 300 but is there a way I can still get more money from them?


And can I receive the full 204 if I attend a fas course?



Thanks for reading if anything in it makes sense


tom

Xiney

If you attend a FAS course you will get the full 204 for the duration of the course - unfortunately they are concentrating on shorter courses in order to get as many people trained as possible, and the quality & usefulness of training seems to be suffering. There are also HUGE waiting lists for courses, so I suggest you get down to FAS immediately and sign up for everything that interests you no matter how far away it is in time - hopefully that way you'll get something.

People who are long term unemployed have priority in these courses.

uoluol

This was one of the many sneaky savings brought in, in the October Budget. There are now four bands of average earnings, which determine the amount of JB payment you will get. That and the reduced amount of time you will actually get JB........ Thank you Fianna Fail. You could certainly try for a FAS course, as you should get the full allowance then.

IT Loser

Be grateful for small mercies. The Job Seeker Allowances folk that are under 20 are on the basic €100