Means test worry

BennyBlanko

Hi,
I'm seeking work (not easy/doing my nut:()but my stamps run out in about 6 weeks as I currenty draw JSB. Conscious of this,I spoke the the local social office and they advised me to apply now to be means tested for JSA and to get the form in.
Got the form today and they are looking for bank statements. I have about 9k in my current account left after some redundancy and I was keeping it for a rainy day because I think I could be out of work for another year with the big R. I have 2 kids, a wife who's working (Thankfully)but not earning more than 27k GROSS per annum.I get €204 now in JSB and I'm concerned that they'll lower my new JSA as I have 9k in savings and my wife works? Anyone know what Im to expect? Quite concerned as i'm trying to keep the mortgage paid etc etc.

hanks,Ben.:)

dlambirl

AFAIK OP you can have up to €20,000 in savings before it affects your claim..

shindig-jp

OP:
You have nothing to worry about with a stash that size and with your wife working. My worry for you would be... you not getting enough supplementary benefits that you are entitled to ... fuel allowance , back to school allowance etc... ..

You still pick up the same 204e unless Biffo cuts the benefit for all of us at the next budget

cee_jay

shindig-jp wrote: »

OP:


You still pick up the same 204e

Not necessarily - your wife's income will be taken into account as means on your JSA - so more than likely it will be a reduced rate. I think its worked out as 60% of net pay - but there are deductions for PRSI etc.

More info on means assessment here

BennyBlanko

Hi,
The news is not good.It turns out that my wife earns 31k gross per annum and Social Welfare have decided that therefore I'm not entitled to anything at all.This is a really bad situation for us.They say our weekly means are greater than the weekly rate available for the scheme which is €400.I've done the figures and can prove my wife netts only €325 pw when all broken down as she's self employed and her pay is erratic.I'm going to appeal but even if i do, do this mean I'll only get €75 a week (the difference) or will they give me €204 per week. Like is this weekly means they quote a threshold figure?Any Advice Please - this is such a worry.
Thanks,
Benny

nofi

Would you consider going back to education?, AFAIK you would be entitled to BTEA of €204 a wk if you have been unemployed for 9/12 months,

mp22

Have a look at FIS (family income supplement) there might be something in it for you

cee_jay

BennyBlanko wrote: »

my wife earns 31k gross per annum

can prove my wife netts only €325 pw when all broken down as she's self employed and her pay is erratic.

Unfortunately they base their figures on gross pay, and not net. However, I think PRSI/Pensions/VHI etc are allowed for.

The family amount is as follows:
Personal Rate: 204.30
Qualified Adult: 135.60
Dependent Child: 26.00 per child

So if you have 2 children, the most you could receive is 391.90 if you both had nil means.

BizTalker

Advise yourself with the Local Health board as well, you might qualify for some kind of supplement. Dig into citizens information website for your entitlements, if you feel neglected by the Welfare system you can always appel at www.socialwelfareappeals.ie

FAS courses will give you the 204 per week if you want to try one of them out.

I know this isn't much use to you as a whole, but i reckon you should put your name down for a FAS course as soon as possible (go to your FAS office and stick your name down for the longest courses you can find). It'll take a few weeks/months before FAS get back to you with anything worthwhile, so if you do end up with little or nothing from welfare, at least you'll be able to run to FAS. I know it's not much help, but it's just some quick advice in the event that it does go balls up for you.


If you're gonna do it though, sign with FAS NOW! it'll take a while before you get put on a course, so if Welfare turn around and say no, then at least you'll be quicker to hear from FAS than if you register for a course with them after welfare say no.


As i say, i know my post isn't much help overall, but it's just something I thought i'd say.