JSA & wife on Illness Benefit

djh2009

I was recently awarded JSA at rate of € 96.00 p.w. after being means tested. Wife has since lost job also. I was wondering at what rate we should both now be paid. Wife has full entitlement to Jobseeker's Benefit. Will she retain the full payment and should she claim me as a dependent or will my JSA increase ?

Lugh Ildanach

You can do it either way, either go on to her JB claim, or claim separately, either way you'll get the same money, they won't give you any more than the family rate between the two of you.

Its best that you're both on a payment as it opens up eligibility to various courses/schemes, although it does mean that you both have to sign on.

djh2009

Thanks for that reply. When you say " the family rate between you" am I correct in saying that at present that is €188 personal rate + €124.80 qualified adult rate, a total of €312.80 between us. So if my wife just claims for herself , my payment will increase from €96.00 to €124.80 ?

eastbono

djh2009 wrote: »

Thanks for that reply. When you say " the family rate between you" am I correct in saying that at present that is €188 personal rate + €124.80 qualified adult rate, a total of €312.80 between us. So if my wife just claims for herself , my payment will increase from €96.00 to €124.80 ?

From the heading it says your wife is on illness benefit.. can you be more specific is she on illness benefit or is she on jobseekers benefit

Lugh Ildanach

djh2009 wrote: »

Thanks for that reply. When you say " the family rate between you" am I correct in saying that at present that is €188 personal rate + €124.80 qualified adult rate, a total of €312.80 between us. So if my wife just claims for herself , my payment will increase from €96.00 to €124.80 ?

Exactly. Although it won't happen automatically, you'll have to request a reassessment.

djh2009

Thanks for your reply again. Thought that's what would happen. I realise I will have to request the reassessment. Thanks again for clarifying that for me.