Means test confusion

Pet

Hey,

Just applied for the casual worker's allowance (part-time JSA) today. Have all the forms to be signed etc.

The only question I have is: they've asked to look at my bank statements from the past 6 months. Now, I was receiving a standing order (for rent, food, etc) from my dad every week during college and over the summer while I wasn't able to work (sick; was pretty much bed-bound for half the summer), but that's finishing up now that I'm back in part-time work.

Will this standing order (€200/week) be counted in assessing my means (seeing as it's not an income from employment/grant/pension/other), and how can I prove that it has stopped (just this week)/that I'll no longer be receiving it?

gustafo

Could be a tricky 1 alright trying to prove it, they may look for you to prove that it has been coming from your dads account by asking for bank statements from his account.

PKen

Get your Dad to write out a letter stating all this, especially the bit "that it's finishing up now". This standing order (€200/week) will be counted in assessing your means - all income is assessed. But once you show that it's finished, there shouldn't be a problem.

Pet

Thanks lads. Am getting all sorts of conflicting information from a few different people I know who are all on casual worker's allowance - some weren't even means-tested when they applied!

Pet

Another question - if I failed the means test, how long would i have to wait before I could reapply?