Job Seekers Benefit Question!

*Lees*

Hi,

I'm sorry if this question had been answered already but I can't seem to find an answer to this question!
I'm being put on a 3 day week in work and I'm trying to figure how much I will be entitled to! I'm finding the information available online difficult to follow so I'm hoping someone here can point me in the right direction.
I've been working fulltime for 5 years, 3 of which I have worked in my current job. I'm 25 (well I will be next wednesday) and live at home with my parents, so it's my understanding that I should be applying for job seekers benefit as opposed to job seekers allowance?
On the citizens information site there is a table which lists the rates according to your average weekly earnings. I was working fulltime so I would have been on more than 300euro per week. The thing I don't understand is the difference between a personal rate and a qualified adult rate? If someone could explain what the difference is here I would really appreciate it.... or maybe I am on the wrong track completely!

suitseir

The information I am giving you is from my own personal experience. I was on 2 days a week last year and got 'stamp' money for the remaining 3 days. It is based on a calculation of the days you are not working. In my case, I got approx. €136 odd for the three days I was not working. I am now fully unemployed since beginning of January and am receiving €196, which is soon to end as my contributions for the three months of 2010 have been added to those when I was working part time. This is a personal rate and based on the info you have given, it will be on a personal rate for you as well.

Just to clarify, I am a good deal older than you and am a spouse with a working hubby so I would not qualify for JSA but you may, should your job go belly up and you have exhausted your JSB. As far as I know, the JSA was reduced for those living at home under a certain age by €100 in the last budget. If you put your post on askaboutmoney.com on the SW entitlements, I am sure you will get more accurate information. Good luck.

cee_jay

The personal rate is the rate you get paid for yourself and qualified adult rate is the rate you would get paid for a spouse or partner who has no earnings themselves.

*Lees*

Thanks for the replies! I kind of understand the way it works now, although the information available should really be simplified if you ask me!!
There's just a couple of more things that I' unsure of, if someone could help it would be great...
It says you need to apply for JSB the first day you are being made redundant. I am being put on a 3 day week from the week after next, do I need to wait untill then to apply, or can I apply now knowing the dates I begin my 3 day week??
All I need to bring with me is my PPS number and a letter from my employers right? A P45 and P60... are these documents only available to those who have been let go??

cee_jay

You have to apply the first day that you don't actually work that you normally would work.
So if you normally work Mon - Fri, your 3 day week starts on Monday, but you work Mon, Tues & Thurs, you need to make your claim on Wednesday.

You will need to bring proof of ID, proof of Address, PPS number, and a letter from your employer regarding the 3 day week with you.