How much do street beggers earn?

unclejunior

Hi,
I just finished college there yesterday and I dont qualify for social welfare for the summer. With no prospect of a job, Im facing eviction next week and Im going to be on the streets. I was just wondering how much street beggers earn? Is it possible to survive that way? I contacted st. vincent de paul 2 weeks ago but they only give u cans of food, which is good of them, but cans of food dont pay the bills so this is my only option.

whiteonion

Would it not be possible to move in with a relative like a parent or a sibling until you get back on your feet?

dotsflan

why dont you qualify for social welfare??? if your finished college your entitled too dole

cenvuza7fg9kx5

Don't worry when we have our castle I'll let you stay. LOL

More seriously though I don't think you can qualify for JSA JSB until some months after you've completed college. Do you not have any friends in college that would let you stay for a few weeks?

Deus Ex Machina

Beggars receive next to nothing. The vast majority of homeless people don't beg, either out a sense of shame or a realisation that any money received will amount to a pittance. A lot of homeless people receive help from organisations like the SVP or their relatives. In many cases they simply steal food from shops. Becoming a beggar as a source of income is a last resort even for those in the most extreme circumstances, so don't try it unless all else fails.

dotsflan

Hugo Dazzling Sleeper wrote: »

Don't worry when we have our castle I'll let you stay. LOL

More seriously though I don't think you can qualify for JSA JSB until some months after you've completed college. Do you not have any friends in college that would let you stay for a few weeks?

no you can walk in the day after youve finished your last exam and sign on, its after the leaving cert you have to wait so many months

Kevin Bacon

dotsflan wrote: »

why dont you qualify for social welfare??? if your finished college your entitled too dole

Think its the case in most colleges that you're a student until you actually graduate in September. A stretching of the truth would be needed to get the dole i.e. lie about it.

Redlion

About three fiddy.

Mike 1972

Deus Ex Machina wrote: »

Beggars receive next to nothing. The vast majority of homeless people don't beg, either out a sense of shame or a realisation that any money received will amount to a pittance.

You mean those stories about 2011 BMW's are not actually true :eek:

emeraldstar

Ask them.

stupidusername

ugh. if you're returning to college in september you're still considered a full time student, so can't receive SW. if you have left college, and are not returning in September you can receive SW, you need a letter from your college stating that you've finished.

the op said he was finished for the summer so i'm guessing he's going back. but op how did you survive during the term? Did you have a job? or as it a grant? clearly no one's going to suggest begging, but as far as i can see yeah they do make money out of it.

Mike 1972

stupidusername wrote: »

if you're returning to college in september you're still considered a full time student, so can't receive SW. if you have left college, and are not returning in September you can receive SW, you need a letter from your college stating that you've finished.

How does one go about proving/disproving an intention in this regard given that some courses are run as two year (certificate) courses with an optional third (diploma) year or that one may be planning on undertaking another course after their current one finishes ?

stupidusername

Mike 1972 wrote: »

How does one go about proving/disproving an intention in this regard given that some courses are run as two year (certificate) courses with an optional third (diploma) year or that one may be planning on undertaking another course after their current one finishes ?

I'm guessing you'd have to have applied for a course by June, would you not? Of course a certain amount of it comes down to not lying your pants off. but then that'd be called fraud now wouldn't it?

dotsflan

Mike 1972 wrote: »

How does one go about proving/disproving an intention in this regard given that some courses are run as two year (certificate) courses with an optional third (diploma) year or that one may be planning on undertaking another course after their current one finishes ?

your allowed claim the dole in between the courses. Friend of mine done it last year, she finished her level 7 degree and was going onto a level 8 degree in sept. She went in and told them this in the SW office and she was told she was legally allowed to claim as she was technically no longer a full time student until september

Retrovertigo

dotsflan wrote: »

if your finished college your entitled too dole

......

bijapos

OP: Contact your local Community Welfare Officer. He or She will put you right on what you are allowed to receive or not. Even if you are not entitled to the dole you may be entitled to a social welfare payment which is usually the same as the dole.

Look up your nearest one now and go there first thing Monday morning.

ejmaztec

If in doubt, sell your arse.

Capt'n Midnight

ejmaztec wrote: »

If in doubt, sell your arse.

Who needs an arse transplant ?

unclejunior

stupidusername wrote: »

ugh. if you're returning to college in september you're still considered a full time student, so can't receive SW. if you have left college, and are not returning in September you can receive SW, you need a letter from your college stating that you've finished.

the op said he was finished for the summer so i'm guessing he's going back. but op how did you survive during the term? Did you have a job? or as it a grant? clearly no one's going to suggest begging, but as far as i can see yeah they do make money out of it.

hey,
im suppose to be returning in september. i already contacted my social welfare officer and was shocked at not been entitled to anything. i survived on a 3 grand grant up till now and have no cash left. ive no other alternative, its freaken me out

later12

bijapos wrote: »

OP: Contact your local Community Welfare Officer. He or She will put you right on what you are allowed to receive or not. Even if you are not entitled to the dole you may be entitled to a social welfare payment which is usually the same as the dole.

Look up your nearest one now and go there first thing Monday morning.

The CWO is extremely hit and miss. I worked with the homeless, most people who do can tell you straight away which ones are sympathetic to the homeless and which are to be avoided for your personal integrity. It's way too subjective, the CWO system, and CWOs themselves in some cases, need an overhaul.

OP... where are you in the country?

Dangerous Man

You could always go on the rob.

unclejunior

later10 wrote: »

The CWO is extremely hit and miss. I worked with the homeless, most people who do can tell you straight away which ones are sympathetic to the homeless and which are to be avoided for your personal integrity. It's way too subjective, the CWO system, and CWOs themselves in some cases, need an overhaul.

OP... where are you in the country?

kildare

stupidusername

unclejunior wrote: »

hey,
im suppose to be returning in september. i already contacted my social welfare officer and was shocked at not been entitled to anything. i survived on a 3 grand grant up till now and have no cash left. ive no other alternative, its freaken me out

Well I dont know what more to tell you.look for a job.like your life depends on it! Also do go to your CWO,go first thing monday,cause you wont get back paid if you do get something.bring some id,bank statements.any proof of outgoings you have.

Celly Smunt

unclejunior wrote: »

kildare

i think you're better off homeless in Dublin than live in a house in kildare tbh

unclejunior

thanks for the advice but i think its a bit silly advising getting a job. ive tried the last 4 years and have no success. my situation isnt going to make finding a job any easier

Seachmall

Do you not have any friends with a couch?

You could earn your keep doing odd jobs. Pull scrap timber out of skips and make stuff, dumpster dive for canned food if you need to (middle class people do do this, I've done it once and got a **** load of beans that just had dents in the can [they were sealed and in perfect condition]).

IM0

stupidusername wrote: »

Well I dont know what more to tell you.look for a job.like your life depends on it! Also do go to your CWO,go first thing monday,cause you wont get back paid if you do get something.bring some id,bank statements.any proof of outgoings you have.

and proff of residence, bills that kind of thing. I dont think you can get most SW payments if you dont have a residence

later12

unclejunior wrote: »

kildare

In that case I don't really know what else to advise... the best you can do is persist with the CWO; bring all documentation including a letter from your university to say that you are out of education and the bank statements that others have suggested, as well as a proof of address. Go early because most CWO offices have very restricted opening times. I don't know what the emergency accommodation situation is in Kildare but your CWO will be able to advise you.

It sounds bad but this isn't a time for any pride, the CWO will most likely refuse your request until he can see that you are desperate. You need to explain the gravity of your situation to him or to her in clear and explicit terms.

super_furry

I think there are moves afoot to change their JLC agreements, so they'll be losing their weekend overtime.

Wolfe Tone

Facing eviction?


What type of accommodation are you in OP? Have much in the way of rent arrears?

CrazyRabbit

I seen a beggar with a HTC Desire Z about 5 weeks ago. Trying to hide it as he took a call whilst sitting on O'Connell street with a cup in front of him. I guess they do well enough.

OP, what skills do you have? Anything that would allow you to gain some income (computer repair, plumbing, electrician etc)?

Have you submitted your CV to contractor agencies like Manpower, Adeco & Ann O'Brien? They are very good at getting people entry-level jobs. Not great, but better than no income.

problemchimp

Do you have a family home or even family? Don't answer this if you don't want to.

starviewadams

Could try selling The Big Issue,I did it in London years ago when I was short of rent money,made £25-£30stg most sunny days when I went out,better then begging for sure.

http://dublin.yalwa.ie/ID_103144656/Irelands-Issues-Magazines-Ltd.html

bijapos

later10 wrote: »

The CWO is extremely hit and miss. I worked with the homeless, most people who do can tell you straight away which ones are sympathetic to the homeless and which are to be avoided for your personal integrity. It's way too subjective, the CWO system, and CWOs themselves in some cases, need an overhaul.

OP... where are you in the country?

I'm in Dublin 6 fwiw. CWO's are like any other group of people, some are good, some bad. Either way they can tell you the next step, tell you what you're entitled to and what not. There is also an appeals system if this does not work.

The local dole office should also be able to explain to the OP what payments they are entitled to and what are the best options for them.

I was made redundant in Feb 2009, was on the dole for 3 months until I set myself up as self employed. I met some incredibly helpful people in the social services and I met the complete opposite, but in general far more positive then negative.

Either way the OP should go to either the dole office and/or the CWO first thing Monday morning.

Dudess

Someone told me they earn 800 euro per week. I'm not gonna bother questioning or dissecting that figure, I'm just gonna be outraged...

D1stant

Dudess wrote: »

Someone told me they earn 800 euro per week. I'm not gonna bother questioning or dissecting that figure, I'm just gonna be outraged...

After tax?

ballsymchugh

Dudess wrote: »

Someone told me they earn 800 euro per week. I'm not gonna bother questioning or dissecting that figure, I'm just gonna be outraged...

there's a girl that sits near the old anglo irish bank offices on stephen's green at weekends, and she starts calling out for spare change when you're about 100 yards away. the first time i saw her i thought she was a journalist on some new story (but alison o'riordan is apparently studying in columbia now!) but she's been there a fair bit now. i've seen more than average give her change, maybe out of embarrassment though.
i'd say being mouthy will get you more spare change op.

TwoShedsJackson

unclejunior wrote: »

Hi,
I just finished college there yesterday and I dont qualify for social welfare for the summer. With no prospect of a job, Im facing eviction next week and Im going to be on the streets. I was just wondering how much street beggers earn? Is it possible to survive that way? I contacted st. vincent de paul 2 weeks ago but they only give u cans of food, which is good of them, but cans of food dont pay the bills so this is my only option.

Go back to Hesh for another 5% of his shy business.

Karona

Definitely go see your Community Welfare Officer. They were extremely helpful to me when i was in dire need of it.

They should be able to sort you out with something. Most open from around 10 o clock.

Best of luck.

ArtSmart

Dudess wrote: »

Someone told me they earn 800 euro per week. I'm not gonna bother questioning or dissecting that figure, I'm just gonna be outraged...

Karona wrote: »

Definitely go see your Community Welfare Officer. They were extremely helpful to me when i was in dire need of it.

They should be able to sort you out with something. Most open from around 10 o clock.

Best of luck.

wow. people reckon this is a real thread/ question and not the usual bash-a-ton?

Bens

For a bet, about a year ago, my friend dressed up as a beggar and made a sign saying how much in need of money he was. Hes a bit of an actor in the odd play in his spare time anyway. He sat in Dublin city center at a phone box 3 days in a row just from 8-10 am, 12-2pm and 4-6:30pm.
He made €48 the first day, €59 the second day and €54 the third day.
Then it rained and he gave up.
So there is good money to be made, but only if the weather is good, and not €800 a week.
Most of the money was made at lunch time, when people give money to beggars to show their workmates they are out to lunch with how caring they are.
He said if he ever does it again he'll just do lunch times.

McNulty737

https://careers.peopleclick.com/careerscp/client_mcdonalds_ie/crew/search.do

Seriously....i saw a begger getting kicked and robbed by a group of teenage thugs on o'connel bridge a couple of weeks ago, don't do it.

There will always be low level jobs in the likes of mcdonalds - and there's no shame in it, it will put a roof over your head.

saywhatyousee

Is there not a homeless hostel in your area?

later12

Bens wrote: »

3 days in a row just from 8-10 am, 12-2pm and 4-6:30pm.
He made €48 the first day, €59 the second day and €54 the third day.

You have an awfully good memory for something that happened a year ago, don't you?

later12

bijapos wrote: »

I'm in Dublin 6 fwiw. CWO's are like any other group of people, some are good, some bad.

I agree and being familiar with the office in Rathmines I presume, if you are familiar with it, that you had a better experience than you might have had elsewhere. Where I worked with the homeless, we would send them to Rathmines because there was no way our local guy, who was right next door, would give them the time of day.

You're right though, there are always some people who are more helpful than others. I just really wish for the sake of those in crisis situations that those who do not belong in these roles would go push a pen in some old museum. It takes a very special person to be a good CWO, it is very different to some other areas of the social services where personal calls and judgements are not as much of an issue, and might not have the same deleterious effects.

Either way the OP should go to either the dole office and/or the CWO first thing Monday morning.

Agreed, definitely.

OP whatever you can do to avoid going on the street, do it. Swallow your pride about asking for help from others if that is possible in your situation. And keep us posted.

Blikes

McNulty737 wrote: »

https://careers.peopleclick.com/careerscp/client_mcdonalds_ie/crew/search.do

There will always be low level jobs in the likes of mcdonalds - and there's no shame in it, it will put a roof over your head.

I'd work in McDonalds anyday if there was one in my town. Ten times better than the 'job' i have now
http://www.mcdonalds.ie/about-us/systems-and-processes/awards.aspx

grenache

I serve beggars/tappers/whinos all the time at work. And they earn more than you would think! I would estimate ?60 per day on average.

Capt'n Midnight

Bens wrote: »

Hes a bit of an actor in the odd play in his spare time anyway.

An actor, out of work :eek:

Fukuyama

Seachmall wrote: »

Do you not have any friends with a couch?

You could earn your keep doing odd jobs. Pull scrap timber out of skips and make stuff, dumpster dive for canned food if you need to (middle class people do do this, I've done it once and got a **** load of beans that just had dents in the can [they were sealed and in perfect condition]).

Having worked in a supermarket I can vouch for this.

Bens

later10 wrote: »

You have an awfully good memory for something that happened a year ago, don't you?

I do have an excellent memory. Almost photographic actually. But I didnt need it for that post. Because I still have it all in an email, which he also copied to a reporter in a national newspaper. He had it all in a spreadsheet, with photos too. Anything to get his picture in the paper. They didnt use it. So we had to pay up on the bet too.