Am I screwed?

Jimmy Bottlehead

Hey.

Like most of the country, I'm out of work and can't get a job - in my own case, since last October. I've been living off Jobseekers Allowance since then.

I was renting my own room until September, and then myself and my girlfriend decided to move in together as it was cheaper than renting seperately.

Anyways, went into Welfare office today to change address and office as its a different area. I said I was now living with my girlfriend, and had to fill in more forms. Basically she said that because my girlfriend gets a student grant (its from the UK as she's from Northern Ireland) and I'm means tested, it could affect my payment.

Added to this is how they want to see my bank statements. On the side I've been doing very occasional bits of paid sport - I get a cheque that covers expenses and very little else. So now I think if they see this, they'll jump on it and stop my payments.

Anyways, I'm wondering how badly screwed I am and what can I expect to happen? My girlfriend said after I shouldn't have mentioned living with her, but I don't understand the bloody system. I just want to work and not have to even see the welfare office.

Anyways any advice would be great. Thanks.

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As far as I know you are allowed to earn a some money when you are on Jobseekers allowance, as long as it is under a certain amount per week. However you may have to show them evidence of the amount you earned. If your girlfriend isn't earning money either then it shouldn't effect your payment, because she is not supporting you. check out www.citizensiformation.ie for details.

Jimmy Bottlehead

One other thing, the office asked would i be claiming for my girlfriend as a dependent. Is this possible??? Its completely foreign to me.