2 day week - how much dole?

Peewee_lane

I am going onto a 2 day week at the beginning of November.

I dont know what to do or how much money I am entitled to. Can anyone advise as to what I would get as benefits to make up the rest of my salary?

Thanks...

Citizens Information: Graham

Hi Peewee_lane


The main payments for people working reduced hours are Jobseeker's Benefit (JB) and Jobseeker's Allowance (JA). The maximum personal rate of these payments is €204.30 per week, with increases for a qualified adult and children. As you will still be working part-time, your rate of JB or JA will be reduced. Jobseeker's Benefit is based on PRSI contributions and Jobseeker's Allowance is based on a means test.

In November you should contact your Social Welfare Local Office as soon as your employer reduces your days at work. You will need a letter from your employer stating the following:

· That your days at work have been reduced and whether it is on a temporary or permanent basis
· The number of days you worked each week before the reduction
· The number of days you now work each week
· The reduction in your pay.

Here is a link to a list of other documents you need to bring with you: http://www.citizensinformation.ie/References/checklists/cim_checklist.2006-11-16.2727226008

You may get Jobseeker’s Benefit. If you qualify, the amount of Jobseeker’s Benefit you get will depend on whether your employer reduces your work on a temporary or permanent basis, your average weekly earnings before your days were reduced and the number of days you worked each week before your days were reduced.

If you usually work 5 days per week and your days are reduced on a temporary basis to 2 days a week, you will get three-fifths of the normal amount of Jobseeker’s Benefit for your situation. If your days are reduced on a permanent basis to 2 days a week, you will get four-sixths of the normal amount of Jobseeker’s Benefit for your situation.

You can find out more about JB and work here: http://www.citizensinformation.ie/categories/social-welfare/social-welfare-payments/social-welfare-payments-and-work/jobseekers-benefit-and-work

If your average weekly earnings were less than €300 per week before the reduction in your days at work, you should also get assessed for Jobseeker’s Allowance to see which payment would give you the most money.

When your Jobseeker’s Benefit claim runs out you can apply for Jobseeker’s Allowance which is means-tested.


You can find out more about JA and work here: http://www.citizensinformation.ie/categories/social-welfare/irish-social-welfare-system/means-test-for-social-welfare-payments/work-and-jobseekers-allowance

Graham Long
Citizens Information

Peewee_lane

Graham, thank you for such an excellent reply / post. +1