JSA and rent allowence confusion.

the-furbo

Hi, I would appriciate if anybody can shed some light on my situation, im having trouble getting clear cut answers from threshold.ie, citizensinformation.ie amongst other sites.
I am currently 20 years old and living at home. I am also pregnant and have been told by my family that I can't remain at home much longer, obviously it is not a pleasant enviornment to be in right now, I'm basically confined to my bedroom most days as I was in college and have has to drop out as my baby is due in January. Im also not working at the moment. My problem is moving out, I am currently not in reciept of social welfare as there is a sort of grey area around whether I am entitled to any, as I am under 24 and living at home my parents income will be taken into account, they earn above the income cut off for me to be entitled so my understanding is that I am not entitled to anything despite the fact they don't give me any money of my own, (i obviously stay and eat for free). Is their some other social welfare payment I should/can apply for? I am eligable for work technically until my baby is born and I have been looking but jobs are scarce and I haven't been successfull.
So if I am not entitled to a social welfare payment does this mean I cannot apply for rent allowence until I am in reciept of a payment?
If so would it be my best option to move out (I have savings, not much but enough to live on and pay 2 months rent maybe) and then apply or what are my options?
I should also mention I am not involved with the babies father, he will be involved with the baby but is on social welfare himself and so contributions from him will be minimal.
Any help is greatly appriciated.

Xiney

Sorry to hear about your troubles - it sounds like your family are not being particularly supportive at this time.

I think the best way for you to get information would be to visit or phone citizens' information. The number for the Galway office is 091 563 344.

Another option: have you considered visiting one of the crisis pregnancy organizations? I'm sure they would have information on what your social welfare entitlements are as a single parent and may be able to offer some of the much needed emotional support or maybe point you towards a support group of other people who are in/have been in your situation.

Good luck with everything and stay healthy!

mikemac

It's a complicated situation and sorry to hear your family isn't that supportive

I had a quick look over www.welfare.ie and http://www.citizensinformation.ie
As you said the information isn't clear. Well to me anyway

You were in college. Ok you dropped out but go back to the college and ask to see the counseling service. It's 100% guaranteed they have come across your situation before!
Other then that if you can't get the information off the internet get the bus into Galway and head into the Citizens Information Office. I've been there and they're great and will make calls on your behalf

Galway CIC

Augustine House
St Augustine Street
Galway City
Co. Galway

Tel: +353 91 563 344

fax: +353 91 563 687

email: galway@citinfo.ie

www: N/A

Opening Hours: Mon - Fri: 9.30am-5pm. (closed Wed 1pm-2pm, closed 1st Wed of each month 9.30am-2pm). Thurs: 7pm-9pm. Free Legal and Financial Advice on 2nd and 4th Thurs. of every month: 7pm-8.30pm. Ombudsman Hours 1st Tues. of month: 10am-1pm and 2pm-4pm. RIS Mon 2pm-4.30pm, Tue 2pm-4.30pm, Thu 10.30am-1pm.

Wheelchair-accessible: Yes

Maybe the other organizations can help
http://www.cura.ie/ is the only one I can think off at the minute

There is help out there, just have to find it I suppose

shoegirl

Sorry to hear that your family are not being supportive. Hopefully they might cool off closer to the date. Its probably not easy for them either.

Rent allowance is generally targeted at people who've been renting for the previous 6 months rather than people moving out of the family home. There is nothing to stop you putting yourself on the housing list, but would recommend waiting until the baby is actually born before you do that. Visit a community welfare officer and explain the situation. They will give you a fuller picture of your entitlements.

the-furbo

Thanks for the help, went to citizens advice who said for me to just go ahead and apply for jobseekers and rent allowence and its basically all i can do, not sure how its going to help but I guess I'll try!