I'm being made redundant in a few weeks, advice needed..

james.xix

Hi,

My company announced redundancies recently. I'll be out of a job in two weeks. I've never been in this position before.

I'd hope to think I can get a new job soon enough but know in the current climate this will be difficult.

Having worked with the company for more than 3 years I am entitled to statutory redundancy which will soften the blow for a few months.

Would anyone know what I am entitled to? I imagine I am entitled to payment of stamps. I rent a room in private accommodation, is there a rent allowance that I'll be entitled to?

Thanks for any help.

Citizens Information: Graham

Hi james.xix


If you've been working for three years you should have enough PRSI contributions to qualify for Jobseeker's Benefit. Jobseeker's Benefit is payable for 9 months or 12 months, depending on the number of PRSI contributions you have overall. You can find out more about this here: http://www.citizensinformation.ie/categories/social-welfare/social-welfare-payments/unemployed-people/unemployment_benefit.

You'll find a guide to signing on and a list of documents required here: http://www.losingyourjob.ie/getting-social-welfare/. It's no harm to have a look over the application form beforehand, which is available here: http://www.welfare.ie/EN/Forms/Documents/UP1.pdf. It is the same form for both Jobseeker's Benefit and Jobseeker's Allowance (which is the means-tested payment).

You may qualify for Rent Supplement, which is means-tested and a limit applies on how much you pay in rent. To get this you will also need to have been in rented accommodation for 6 months (or be on the housing list): http://www.citizensinformation.ie/categories/social-welfare/social-welfare-payments/supplementary-welfare-schemes/rent_supplement

You may also be able to look for a refund of tax paid: http://www.losingyourjob.ie/money-and-tax-issues/getting_a_tax_refund.html


Graham Long
Citizens Information