Umemployment benefit question

antiparos

Hi,
i hope someone can help me. my flatmate is spanish and she has being living in ireland since nov 2008.she got a job as a waitress in march until july 2009 and was then let go. is she entitled to jobseekers allowance?previous to ireland she was working in spain part time. as spain is part of the EU I presumed she was. i hope someone can inform me. thanks

Citizens Information: Graham

Hi antiparos


if your friend has worked in Spain and in Ireland she may be able to combine her contributions to qualify for Jobseeker's Benefit. She should certainly put in an application.

You can find out more about combining contributions from abroad here: http://www.citizensinformation.ie/categories/social-welfare/irish-social-welfare-system/claiming-a-social-welfare-payment/social-insurance-contributions-from-abroad

You can find out more about qualifying for Jobseeker's Benefit here: http://www.welfare.ie/EN/Schemes/JobseekerSupports/JobseekersBenefit/Pages/jb.aspx

Graham Long
Citizens Information