Co Habiting Couple

maynooth_rules

I have started a new job while my girlfriend has just finished college and is looking for work. In the meantime she has applied for Job Seekers. However they are treating us as a co habiting couple. My question is what is the cut off point. How much do I have to earn a week/month before she can claim nothing.
Also does the amount I pay for rent/electricity etc. have any impact on the payments.
Thanks

eastbono

maynooth_rules wrote: »

I have started a new job while my girlfriend has just finished college and is looking for work. In the meantime she has applied for Job Seekers. However they are treating us as a co habiting couple. My question is what is the cut off point. How much do I have to earn a week/month before she can claim nothing.
Also does the amount I pay for rent/electricity etc. have any impact on the payments.
Thanks

Well if you are living together you are a co-habiting couple. Your earnings will be used for means when you girlfriend is applying for jobseekers allowance it is a means tested scheme. Any outgoings are not considered..eg.. rent/electricity etc

Kerry3333

I dont know if this Information is correct/up to date.
But when I went into the Citizens Info I believe they told me the limit your partner can earn is €320.
That was a while ago so im not entirely sure, but go into Citizens Info and they will tell you.

maynooth_rules

Kerry3333 wrote: »

I dont know if this Information is correct/up to date.
But when I went into the Citizens Info I believe they told me the limit your partner can earn is €320.
That was a while ago so im not entirely sure, but go into Citizens Info and they will tell you.

Goodness me thats low:eek:. Im a teacher covering a maternity leave so I dont get paid when the schools are not open ie mid term and christmas. Hopefully that will help

eastbono

maynooth_rules wrote: »

Goodness me thats low:eek:. Im a teacher covering a maternity leave so I dont get paid when the schools are not open ie mid term and christmas. Hopefully that will help

You can claim jobseekers benefit/jobseekers allowance for the period that you are not paid for at mid-term and Christmas.

Re your partners jobseekers allowance and means testing I am posting a link to welfare site in relation to jsa there is an explanation of means testing on this site
http://www.welfare.ie/EN/Schemes/JobseekerSupports/JobseekersAllowance/Pages/ja.aspxV

jjjenny

Hi guys,

I'm new here, so not sure where I should be posting. Hope you guys can help.

I moved into an apartment with my boyfriend last month. I am working and my boyfriend is studying. He does pay half of the rent from PHD funding, but does not have an income, so does not pay tax. Can I claim for rent relief on the full amount as I do pay tax? Or can I only get rent relief on my half?

Even though he pays half the rent, I still pay for nearly everything as the sole earner, as I pay all bills, food and upkeep etc. So would I be allowed to claim for the full amount of the monthly rent?

Thanks

mrsbyrne

As per last December's Budget you will not be able to claim for Rent Relief at all as you were not renting before 7 December 2010
http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/housing/renting_a_home/tax_relief_for_tenants.html