Do I qualify for the dole?

lady123

I'm from America, been here 6 months. My husband is Irish. I have been looking for ages for a job and can't find anything, I literally apply to a few a day. I have done everything I can to avoid the dole as I don't feel its right to come here and get straight on benefits that I never chipped in for. But we are finding it hard to make it through on just his income which may dip down quite low in the next few months, so we'll be really tight on money. Do I qualify for the dole even though I haven't paid any tax? I'm at a loss here, what are my options? Thanks in advance for answers!

akamossie

as far as i know you cant claim it because you here 6 months which i am guessing you have the GNIB with stamp 3, so you here in the country with work permit, but since you havent worked yet and no tax paid then you have no credits to claim.

i advise you to go down the dole office and ask for more detail, or contact your immigration officer

lady123

I have a stamp 4 and I read that I need habitual residency, which is determined by the officer, generally 6 months. Do I qualify for Jobseekers Allowance instead then?

Xiney

you will need to prove that you gave up your life in America to come here and be with your husband.

I got the dole after being in Ireland for 4 months. This is before the arse fell out of the economy though, and I'd had a job already.


Any proof that you have that you're here for the long haul: selling property in America, closing bank accounts in America, shipping all your stuff over from America.

The proof that I used (because I've never owned a house) was the shipping way bills for our possessions and our cat. But like I said, this was in January 2008, and things hadn't gotten really bad yet.

Also, if your husband is employed, his income will be taken into account for Jobseeker's Allowance, which is means tested.

akamossie

i totally agree with Xiney but i used to have a stamp 4 like 8 years ago, i had no job for 4 months and i was able to get the unemployment assistence i think. still all will consider of the income of you husband of how much he is earning.

cee_jay

Xiney wrote: »

you will need to prove that you gave up your life in America to come here and be with your husband.

I got the dole after being in Ireland for 4 months. This is before the arse fell out of the economy though, and I'd had a job already.


Any proof that you have that you're here for the long haul: selling property in America, closing bank accounts in America, shipping all your stuff over from America.

The proof that I used (because I've never owned a house) was the shipping way bills for our possessions and our cat. But like I said, this was in January 2008, and things hadn't gotten really bad yet.

Also, if your husband is employed, his income will be taken into account for Jobseeker's Allowance, which is means tested.

You will have to satisfy this condition - just be aware there is currently around 8/9 months wait on this! As your husband is here, and he is working here, you will more than likely satisfy the condition. However, his earnings will be assessed against you.

eth0_

Xiney wrote: »

I got the dole after being in Ireland for 4 months. This is before the arse fell out of the economy though, and I'd had a job already.

Surely not the full, 200-odd euro a week dole?

Xiney

eth0_ wrote: »

Surely not the full, 200-odd euro a week dole?

I was on JSA, which is means tested.

My husband had a grant for college so I didn't get the full 200-odd euro a week, but if he hadn't any income I would have gotten the full amount and the add on for the qualified adult.