Claiming While doing a Thesis

Kernunos

Well All,

I actually have 2 questions that I am wondering about. I was hoping to perhaps get some answers here before potentially wasting my time qeueing up for hours in the Welfare office.

I am currently doing a Taught Masters degree. All my classes and exams finished in mid-may and I am know working on my thesis.

I had a look at the sticky and the welfare.ie site and it says there

"Legislation provides for disqualification while attending a full time day course of study. Third level students who have completed final examinations but are completing theses or projects cannot be regarded as still attending a full-time day course of study and, therefore, cannot be disqualified under this provision. Entitlement may, however, be considered under the availability condition, depending on the degree of commitment to the project/thesis."

Now am I to understand that this means that i am elligible to apply? I had 2 part-time jobs during term time but they both ended with the school year. I have been looking for jobs and recently got a part-part-time one.

My second question is actually with regards to my part-time job? I am currently working between 6 and 12 hours a week on minimum wage. What is the mechanism for claiming if you have a part-time job, do they just deduct the amount you earn from the payment they give out?

I have avoided signing on for as long as i can but i just cant make ends meet with this part-time job. I have been told a few ways to swindle my way into getting payments but I want to make sure I am doing everything above board. i could just quit this job and apply for the whole thing but pride wont let me.

Any information would be appreciated

marcsignal

were you on a BETA course ? ie: were you being paid an allowance through your college year ?

i was doing a degree course on BTEA a few years ago and was paid my BETA allowance after i finished my exams in may, right through until I handed in my thesis in September, then the payment was stopped.

cee_jay

Kernunos wrote: »

"Legislation provides for disqualification while attending a full time day course of study. Third level students who have completed final examinations but are completing theses or projects cannot be regarded as still attending a full-time day course of study and, therefore, cannot be disqualified under this provision. Entitlement may, however, be considered under the availability condition, depending on the degree of commitment to the project/thesis."

Now am I to understand that this means that i am elligible to apply? I had 2 part-time jobs during term time but they both ended with the school year. I have been looking for jobs and recently got a part-part-time one.

What this means is yes you are eligible to apply - however one of the conditions of receiving Jobseekers Benefit/Allowance is that you are available for and genuinely seeking work. If you feel that your Thesis does not detract from either of these, then you would have a good case to receive same. However, expect the deciding officer to ask questions regarding this. You will have to satisfy them that you are looking and available for work.

In regards to your part time job, you have to show a loss in earnings to claim Jobseeker's Benefit - if you have the PRSI contributions that is. If you have the stamps, and have a loss in earnings & hours, you can claim Jobseeker's Benefit.
However, if you don't have the required stamps, or there is no loss in earnings, then you will have to claim Jobseeker's Allowance which is means tested. If you are under 25 and living with your parents, or living with a partner, their income will be taken into accounts as means against you.

You are best to go into your local SW office and see what they say.
Best of luck.