What do I do?

Under Pressure

I'm caught in a situation where I was self employed for the past ten years. I went out of business due to the recession. I was supplying builders with various equipment and work dried up completely. I have been not earning since October but lived off my savings. They have now run out and I am told I am not entitled to Social Welfare as I was self employed. I have tried appealing and to no avail. I have to support myself and young daughter. (Her Mother and I split three yrs ago). I've been to the Welfare officer who basically said tough luck! Can't help if Welfare won't process a claim for you. I got a food voucher from the St Vincent DePaul last week but with a little one that didn't last long. Am I going to lose my daughter if I can't provide for her? Is there nowhere I can turn to? Please don't reccomend the Samaratains. While I've every respect for them, they listen but can't give answers. The Dept of Social Welfare are offering a sporadic service at the moment while they strike. Tried my TD but he's too busy to take my call or return one.

Shayman

So you're entitled to nothing from Social Welfare if your self employed with a kid?

StillWaters

As you were self employed you are not entitled to JobSeekers Benefit, but dependent on your means, you should have an entitlement to JobSeekers Allowance. You should call into your local Citizens Information Centre.

cafecolour

As above, I'd go to citizens info or talk to a different social welfare officer. That doesn't sound right.

You could also try posting in biz > personal > state benefits for info.

Sputnik

Your welfare officer is a half-wit.

You'll have to be assessed but if you really don't have any income and no savings left you should qualify for Jobseeker’s Allowance.

http://www.citizensinformation.ie/categories/social-welfare/social-welfare-payments/unemployed-people/self-employed-and-unemployment

The Corinthian

Under Pressure wrote: »

They have now run out and I am told I am not entitled to Social Welfare as I was self employed.

That is incorrect. You are probably not entitled to Jobseekers benefit because when self-employed, you were not required to, and thus did not pay PRSI, however you should still entitled to Jobseekers allowance and other forms of Social Welfare - I think the only reasons that may block you from this are if you are not an EU citizen or you fail the Habitual Residence Condition.

I have tried appealing and to no avail. I have to support myself and young daughter. (Her Mother and I split three yrs ago).

What is her mother doing to support herself? Even if she cannot work, she should qualify for One Parent Family Payment. If there are any maintenance orders in place, I suggest you seek a motion of varience to better reflect your new financial situation.

I suggest you read up on what your entitlements are before going back to the DSW, then tell them to stick it. Politely.

Under Pressure

The Corinthian wrote: »

That is incorrect. You are probably not entitled to Jobseekers benefit because when self-employed, you were not required to, and thus did not pay PRSI, however you should still entitled to Jobseekers allowance and other forms of Social Welfare - I think the only reasons that may block you from this are if you are not an EU citizen or you fail the Habitual Residence Condition.

What is her mother doing to support herself? Even if she cannot work, she should qualify for One Parent Family Payment. If there are any maintenance orders in place, I suggest you seek a motion of varience to better reflect your new financial situation.

I suggest you read up on what your entitlements are before going back to the DSW, then tell them to stick it. Politely.

Went back to Social today and, well, their Industrial action. Noone available to advise me. Her Mother is in the UK. I'm Really fed up with the total lack of interest at the Social Welfare. Maybe it's always been that way, but I never had to sign on before so wasn't aware.

The Corinthian

Under Pressure wrote: »

I'm Really fed up with the total lack of interest at the Social Welfare. Maybe it's always been that way, but I never had to sign on before so wasn't aware.

So what? I thought you were self-employed - an entrepreneur. Last time I checked, if lack of interest was enough to deter an entrepreneur from getting something done, it was time (s)he got a civil service job.

I just get the impression you feel lost and have become a little passive about this whole thing. I'm sorry but that's not going to help. Time you raise your dorsal fin and treat this as any challenge to be bested.

S23

Unfortunately people working in social welfare offices have been instructed in some cases to be obstructive and deny claims whenever possible. Basically its now their job to make it as hard as possible for you to make and process your claim. I know this because a friend of mine works in a large office (I won't mention where) and was told this a few months back.

Keep chipping away. Keep pushing and trying to find out what you are entitled to. But don't expect it to be easy and don't expect anything to happen quickly.

LegacyUser

S23 wrote: »

Unfortunately people working in social welfare offices have been instructed in some cases to be obstructive and deny claims whenever possible. Basically its now their job to make it as hard as possible for you to make and process your claim. I know this because a friend of mine works in a large office (I won't mention where) and was told this a few months back.

Keep chipping away. Keep pushing and trying to find out what you are entitled to. But don't expect it to be easy and don't expect anything to happen quickly.

I am sorry but this is bull. I work in a very large office, and nobody I work with would ever be obstructive and deny claims where possible. In fact, control measures are dwindling in the pressure to try and get claims paid as fast as possible.
If you were self employed, you may have an entitlement to Jobseeker's Allowance, however this is means tested and any capital/income etc you have will be assessed against the weekly amount you may be entitled to.
I am taking from your claim that you have custody of your daughter? If you do, you can claim One Parent Family payment instead of Jobseeker's Allowance. It is also a means tested payment, but you can have weekly earnings of up to 425 whilst claiming.
What was the reason exactly social welfare gave for your non entitlement to Jobseeker's Allowance.
There was no strike action yesterday so I am surprised you found nobody there to help you. You need to go back in again first thing on Monday morning.

tenchi-fan

The op seems to be concealing some details from us. He might have a second property that he is being means tested on, or a few shares that he feels are undervalued and is reluctant to sell... i just don't know how we can be expected to believe he did not know of lone parents benefit / job seekers assistance, even after going as far to appeal being turned down for unemployment benefit.

KittyeeTrix

The Corinthian wrote: »

So what? I thought you were self-employed - an entrepreneur. Last time I checked, if lack of interest was enough to deter an entrepreneur from getting something done, it was time (s)he got a civil service job.

I just get the impression you feel lost and have become a little passive about this whole thing. I'm sorry but that's not going to help. Time you raise your dorsal fin and treat this as any challenge to be bested.

Jeez, bit harsh on the OP!!!! The man is already getting it all sides.
I know what he is saying about dealing with the SW sometimes, ya come out of those places and feel like chucking yourself in the nearest river:mad:

The lack of interest he expressed was in reference to the attitude he feels he is receiving from the SW and not from himself, well that's how I read his posts.

OP, go back and badger them, I'd love to be able to offer you some solid advice but I don't know anything about being self employed and dealing with the SW.
Sorry

S23

SW_Worker wrote: »

I am sorry but this is bull. I work in a very large office, and nobody I work with would ever be obstructive and deny claims where possible. In fact, control measures are dwindling in the pressure to try and get claims paid as fast as possible.

Well since i don't know you and I do know my friend that told me and its his word against yours I'll be taking his.

Also, I may add, I found in my own personal experience when I had to sign on for a while a few years back that the people I dealt with were most unhelpful and obstructive (and unwilling to volunteer information they should really have) and generally a pain in the arse.

Not saying that what you are like or tarring each and every person with the same brush. But thats my experience and its my opinion and I'm entitled to it

changes

Hi OP

Are you living with a new partner, if so then their income would be assessed in your application for job seekers allowance and also SWA payments from the CWO.

Under Pressure

tenchifan wrote: »

The op seems to be concealing some details from us. He might have a second property that he is being means tested on, or a few shares that he feels are undervalued and is reluctant to sell... i just don't know how we can be expected to believe he did not know of lone parents benefit / job seekers assistance, even after going as far to appeal being turned down for unemployment benefit.

I'm not concealing anything. I don't have a second property/shares etc. As I originally stated I had savings when the business folded and have now used them hence the SW application. It may surprise you but the SW office I'me attending does not offer much information/guidance. I've never had to use Social Welfare before so I don't know anything about how it works. Is that a crime?

In answer to the other poster: No, I am not living with a new partner. Just me and my daughter. The problem is that the onus is on me to prove I have no other income assets. I have given them copies of bank statements and a statement of my means. They say I have to prove I have nothing else hidden away. How do I do that??

amdublin

Maybe do up a letter/statement ie. I had x in the bank in October, this is all gone now.

I have no further money with any bank/credit union/post office in Ireland or any other country
I have no shares I can sell
I have no other property

I have no other assets of value.

And state this is a full and true statement and sign and date it.


However, I think this is the type of thing you sign on their forms anyway???

Best of luck OP to you and your daughter. Sounds like you need help, and I hope you get it.

Under Pressure

amdublin wrote: »

Maybe do up a letter/statement ie. I had x in the bank in October, this is all gone now.

I have no further money with any bank/credit union/post office in Ireland or any other country
I have no shares I can sell
I have no other property

I have no other assets of value.

And state this is a full and true statement and sign and date it.


However, I think this is the type of thing you sign on their forms anyway???

Best of luck OP to you and your daughter. Sounds like you need help, and I hope you get it.

I have done something similar as well as put it on the forms. They then said "well you could have more stashed away overseas etc". How do I prove I haven't? I've asked them and they said that's up to me... I'm told it's only got like this recently?

The Corinthian

fluffyorganic1 wrote: »

Jeez, bit harsh on the OP!!!! The man is already getting it all sides.

Not really - in his shoes, I'd probably appreciate a bit of a kick in the arse.

Under Pressure wrote: »

I have done something similar as well as put it on the forms. They then said "well you could have more stashed away overseas etc". How do I prove I haven't? I've asked them and they said that's up to me... I'm told it's only got like this recently?

Have you asked them what proof would satisfy them? I'd imagine they would find it very hard to ignore an affidavit from you stating that these are your only means.

If they do ignore such additional proof or fail to inform you with what 'proof' would satisfy them, I would consider legal action. Of course, this may not help you all that much in the short term, or it may cause them to back down - honestly, I can't say which.