Refused rent allowance

Fentdog84

3 months ago I left my job because I was totally fed up with it and said i would take my chances. This hasnt proved to be the wisest decision I ever made as I'm still waiting for the JSA for 12 weeks and counting and no job on the horizon. When I went down to the health board this morning I got a further hammer blow when I was informed that I wouldnt be entitled to rent allowance as I left my job voluntarily. Is this true? If it is I havent seen it anywhere before and the woman I was dealing with was an ignorant troll. Now I'm completely deflated now as I have no money and I may have to move out of my flat. I was also informed for the same reason that I'm not entitled even to emergency welfare relief whilst I'm waiting for the dole to come through. This is the first time I've been out of work since I left school at 17(bar a year in Australia) and I feel like I've been treated like dirt.

Whispered

Fentdog84 wrote: »

3 months ago I left my job because I was totally fed up with it and said i would take my chances. This hasnt proved to be the wisest decision I ever made as I'm still waiting for the JSA for 12 weeks and counting and no job on the horizon. When I went down to the health board this morning I got a further hammer blow when I was informed that I wouldnt be entitled to rent allowance as I left my job voluntarily. Is this true? If it is I havent seen it anywhere before and the woman I was dealing with was an ignorant troll. Now I'm completely deflated now as I have no money and I may have to move out of my flat. I was also informed for the same reason that I'm not entitled even to emergency welfare relief whilst I'm waiting for the dole to come through. This is the first time I've been out of work since I left school at 17(bar a year in Australia) and I feel like I've been treated like dirt.

You left a job because you were "fed up" and you expect to get rent allowance? Really?

limericklassy

Not a good idea there 99, a bit late now but you should have checked it out before you left it. yeah, you get nothing if you leave a job..

Xiney

I've never heard of people being denied rent allowance/supplementary allowance on the basis of having left work voluntarily. True, you may be denied the dole for up to 9 weeks after leaving a job, but after that you're entitled to it so I would have assumed the other payments would follow the same rule.


From citizen's information:

You have the right to appeal against a decision if you are not satisfied with the outcome of your claim. To appeal, you should write to the Appeals Officer at your Local Health Office.

Fentdog84

helena.ryan wrote: »

You left a job because you were "fed up" and you expect to get rent allowance? Really?

Janey, thanx for the helpful comment, must be wonderful to know it all...

Whispered

Well I know plenty of people who are fed up with their jobs. As far as I know you are entitled to very little if you leave a job. Which is only fair IMO. The welfare system is struggling enough to cope with people who have lost their jobs without having to cope with people who couldn't be bothered too.

Kristopherus

Fentdog84 wrote: »

Janey, thanx for the helpful comment, must be wonderful to know it all...

She's right ,you know. As has been posted by others, you left work because you were fed up. What makes you think you can skive off the state, just becaue you are "fed up". Welfare have tightened up all their schemes of late and you will be very lucky if you get JSA any time soon.

Fentdog84

Kristopherus wrote: »

She's right ,you know. As has been posted by others, you left work because you were fed up. What makes you think you can skive off the state, just becaue you are "fed up". Welfare have tightened up all their schemes of late and you will be very lucky if you get JSA any time soon.

Don't be so judgmental when you know nothing of my personal circumstances. I'm not trying to ''skive off the state'' I'm looking for a job like a lot of other people on here. So what if i left my job have you never left a job?

Lorelei

;)Lot of people being very judgemental without knowing facts perhaps Fentdog was a bit stupid, but haven't we all made mistakes or acted bit stupidly with hindsight.
After 9 weeks you will be entitled to dole and even during that 9 weeks you should be able to get some sort of welfare assistance although this will be means tested. Same applies to rent supplement/allowance which is means tested.
If you feel you have been turned down then you can appeal, and this often works.
Good luck - by the way the rest of the "never made a mistake or bad decision judges" at 60 I'm still cocking up and so is my father at 85 wish we had your genes!!:mad:

GER12

The OP left employment three months ago - if it was not for good reason - which is in itself subjective - the person can only be disqualified for up to nine weeks. So they'd actually qualify for Jobseekers if they have sufficient contributions or they dont exceed the income threshold (for JA). To the OP - you were entitled to apply for SWA pending the processing of your Jobseekers application.

SWA is a payment made based on means - it is not jobseekers so AFAIK its has nothing to do with the application whether you left employment voluntarily. You were entitled to receive the SWA decision of the CWO in writing and in this they must notify you of your right to appeal identifying the person to whom you make the appeal. Likewise, you were entitled to receive notice of your rent allowance refusal in writing and your right to appeal. If the CWO didnt provide this - definately make a complaint. If you experience problems with the CWO - or their attitude - contact the Superintendent CWO.

When making any SWA application - get the CWO to alway's provide you with a copy of the application form that is completed - and hand it to the CWO. You are entitled to get full access to all records in relation to the application and processing of your SWA/Rent Allowance application under the Freedom of Information Act 1997 & Freedom of Information (Amendment) Act 2003.

Jarren

Fentdog84 wrote: »

3 months ago I left my job because I was totally fed up with it and said i would take my chances. This hasnt proved to be the wisest decision I ever made as I'm still waiting for the JSA for 12 weeks and counting and no job on the horizon. When I went down to the health board this morning I got a further hammer blow when I was informed that I wouldnt be entitled to rent allowance as I left my job voluntarily. Is this true? If it is I havent seen it anywhere before and the woman I was dealing with was an ignorant troll. Now I'm completely deflated now as I have no money and I may have to move out of my flat. I was also informed for the same reason that I'm not entitled even to emergency welfare relief whilst I'm waiting for the dole to come through. This is the first time I've been out of work since I left school at 17(bar a year in Australia) and I feel like I've been treated like dirt.

Hi OP

Well...Your case is very unusual to be honest.Since I don't know any answers to the questions you posed I can give a word of advise.
The next time when you go to SW/HSE can you ask them for any decisions that they made regarding yourself to put down in writting.If they can't do can
you at least get a name of person you were talking to.
It sounds like you being fobbed off in regards to the rent supplement.In case of JSA some people wait days,other weeks and months...But having said
you are entitled to the welfare emergency relief while waiting for the dole to come through.Please do go to SW/HSE office on daily basic untlil you get
answers you looking for.
You can also contact those people - http://www.citizensinformation.ie/categories

and if you feel nothing works for you then contact them
http://www.ombudsman.gov.ie/en/

Ps Very sorry to hear about your situation:(
I hope that your case will be sorted out asap:)

Fentdog84

jarecki1976 wrote: »

Hi OP

Well...Your case is very unusual to be honest.Since I don't know any answers to the questions you posed I can give a word of advise.
The next time when you go to SW/HSE can you ask them for any decisions that they made regarding yourself to put down in writting.If they can't do can
you at least get a name of person you were talking to.
It sounds like you being fobbed off in regards to the rent supplement.In case of JSA some people wait days,other weeks and months...But having said
you are entitled to the welfare emergency relief while waiting for the dole to come through.Please do go to SW/HSE office on daily basic untlil you get
answers you looking for.
You can also contact those people - http://www.citizensinformation.ie/categories

and if you feel nothing works for you then contact them
http://www.ombudsman.gov.ie/en/

Ps Very sorry to hear about your situation:(
I hope that your case will be sorted out asap:)

Thanks for your help and the poster before you too. I'll need to chase this up further as it seems really odd to me because i checked it out before. I was fully aware that the JSA might be suspened for nine weeks which I think is punishment enough. I only pay 50 euro a week for my flat its not like I'm asking for a 1000 euro a month or anything. cheers.

Jarren

I hope you will find this usefull

http://www.socialwelfareappeals.ie/appeal/SWAO1%20-%20PDF%20(Final%20for%20print).pdf

and

Rates
Rent Supplement is paid to you weekly or monthly by cheque, Electronic Fund Transfer or post draft, usually in arrears.

The amount of Rent Supplement will be calculated by the HSE's Community Welfare Officer (CWO) and will generally ensure that your income, after paying rent, does not fall below a minimum level. This level is the basic Supplementary Welfare Allowance rate for your circumstances minus €24. You must always pay at least €24 towards your rent. However, you may pay more depending on your means - see 'Rules' above.

The rent paid to your landlord (that is, your contribution plus your Rent Supplement) must not be above the maximum rent level set for your county or area. The maximum rent level for your county is set by the Department of Social and Family Affairs. However, the Health Service Executive (HSE) may set lower rates within these limits. The HSE sets a maximum rent level for each area. If your actual rent is higher than the local maximum, you may be refused Rent Supplement entirely.

Maximum rent levels for each county

From 1 June 2009, these are the maximum rent levels, (the HSE can set levels below these for specific areas within each county):


Single person in shared accommodation:

Counties covered Maximum rent
Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow €92 per week
Longford, Westmeath, Laois and Offaly €66 per week
Clare, Limerick and Tipperary North €66 per week
Cavan, Monaghan, Louth and Meath €66 per week
Donegal, Leitrim and Sligo €66 per week
Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford, Wexford and Tipperary South €76 per week
Galway, Mayo and Roscommon €66 per week
Cork and Kerry €71 per week
Couple in shared accommodation:

Counties covered Maximum rent
Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow €92 per week
Longford, Westmeath, Laois and Offaly €66 per week
Clare, Limerick and Tipperary North €66 per week
Cavan, Monaghan, Louth and Meath €66 per week
Donegal, Leitrim and Sligo €66 per week
Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford, Wexford and Tipperary South €76 per week
Galway, Mayo and Roscommon €66 per week
Cork and Kerry €71 per week
Single person:

Counties covered Maximum rent
Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow €122 per week (Dublin and Wicklow) €112 per week (Kildare)
Longford, Westmeath, Laois and Offaly €94 per week
Clare, Limerick and Tipperary North €94 per week (Clare and Tipperary North) €103 per week (Limerick)
Cavan, Monaghan, Louth and Meath €85 per week (Monaghan and Cavan) €108 per week (Louth and Meath)
Donegal, Leitrim and Sligo €85 per week (Donegal and Leitrim) €94 per week (Sligo)
Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford, Wexford and Tipperary South €108 per week
Galway, Mayo and Roscommon €108 per week
Cork and Kerry €94 per week (Kerry) €108 per week (Cork)
Couple with no children:

Counties covered Maximum rent
Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow €186 per week (Dublin) €166 per week (Kildare) €177 per week (Wicklow)
Longford, Westmeath, Laois and Offaly €112 per week
Clare, Limerick and Tipperary North €122 per week
Cavan, Monaghan, Louth and Meath €113 per week (Monaghan and Cavan) €131 per week (Meath) €122 per week (Louth)
Donegal, Leitrim and Sligo €112 per week
Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford, Wexford and Tipperary South €122 per week
Galway, Mayo and Roscommon €108 per week (Mayo and Roscommon) €131 per week (Galway)
Cork and Kerry €143 per week
Couple with 1 child or one-parent family with 1 child:

Counties covered


Maximum rent
Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow €930 per month (Dublin) €880 per month (Kildare and Wicklow)
Longford, Westmeath, Laois and Offaly €131 per week
Clare, Limerick and Tipperary North €140 per week
Cavan, Monaghan, Louth and Meath €131 per week (Monaghan and Cavan) €163 per week (Meath) €149 per week (Louth)
Donegal, Leitrim and Sligo €131 per week (Donegal and Leitrim) €140 per week (Sligo)
Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford, Wexford and Tipperary South €140 per week
Galway, Mayo and Roscommon €163 per week
Cork and Kerry €143 per week (Kerry) €163 per week (Cork)
Couple with 2 children or one-parent family with 2 children:

Counties covered Maximum rent
Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow €1,110 per month
Longford, Westmeath, Laois and Offaly €144 per week (Longford) €149 (Laois, Offaly and Westmeath)
Clare, Limerick and Tipperary North €158 per week
Cavan, Monaghan, Louth and Meath €140 per week (Monaghan and Cavan) €177 per week (Meath) €158 per week (Louth)
Donegal, Leitrim and Sligo €138 per week (Donegal and Leitrim) €158 per week (Sligo)
Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford, Wexford and Tipperary South €158 per week
Galway, Mayo and Roscommon €180 per week (Mayo and Roscommon) €186 per week (Galway)
Cork and Kerry €177 per week (Cork) and €171 per week (Kerry)
Couple with 3 children or one-parent family with 3 children:

Counties covered Maximum rent
Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow €1,110 per month
Longford, Westmeath, Laois and Offaly €158 per week (Longford) €163 per week (Laois, Offaly and Westmeath)
Clare, Limerick and Tipperary North €172 per week
Cavan, Monaghan, Louth and Meath €172 per week (Monaghan and Cavan) €186 per week (Louth and Meath)
Donegal, Leitrim and Sligo €158 per week (Donegal and Sligo) €153 per week (Leitrim)
Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford, Wexford and Tipperary South €158 per week
Galway, Mayo and Roscommon €180 per week (Mayo and Roscommon) €186 (Galway)
Cork and Kerry €189 per week (Cork) €183 per week (Kerry)


SI 221/07 sets down the maximum amounts of Rent Supplement payable is €55 for a single person and €60 for couples who are tenants in voluntary housing developments (funded through the Capital Assistance Scheme).

http://www.citizensinformation.ie/categories/social-welfare/social-welfare-payments/supplementary-welfare-schemes/rent_supplement

Whispered

My apologies if I appear judgemental. I'm just very frustrated at the moment. According to my research, despite being let go, and my OH having a wage drop. We get no support because we have a mortgage (one which was well within our means when we both were working). If nothing can be done, we will have to look at selling in a few months.

If anyone can tell me otherwise, that would be a huge weight off my mind.

Jarren

helena.ryan wrote: »

My apologies if I appear judgemental. I'm just very frustrated at the moment. According to my research, despite being let go, and my OH having a wage drop. We get no support because we have a mortgage (one which was well within our means when we both were working). If nothing can be done, we will have to look at selling in a few months.

If anyone can tell me otherwise, that would be a huge weight off my mind.

I hope that I'm wrong about that


Employment and Mortgage Interest Supplement
You will not qualify for Mortgage Interest Supplement if you are in full-time employment. That is, employment for 30 hours per week or more. (In the case of couples, if one of a couple is in full time employment, both are excluded from claiming Mortgage Interest Supplement). However, there are special retention arrangements that may allow you to keep a proportion of your Mortgage Interest Supplement.

http://www.citizensinformation.ie/categories/social-welfare/social-welfare-payments/supplementary-welfare-schemes/mortgage_interest_supplement

devilhomer

You must make an applicaton to the cwo by filling out an SWA1 application. Then request a decision in writing if it is a refusal and the reasons of refusal outlining which parts of the legisation were used to determine the decision.That letter should give you the right to appeal to the Supt Cwo. If the Supt Cwo refuses you also he /she must also outline this in writing and give you the right to appeal to the DSCFA cheif appeals officer which is the last place you can go to be heard.

There is is legisation in SWA which states you cannot give up something to avail of swa.
ie, you cannot give up your job to avail of swa rent and basic payments.
However a cwo would normally pay you if you left your job for a valid reason.

Re Mort supplement. Swa is not paid to persons who are in full time employment, or to people who,spartners/wifes/husbands/boyfriends/girlfriends who are in full time employment.

regards