JSA, means test, CWO; I need some help

FemGeek

Hi, I hope someone can help me get some clear information about state benefits. I applied for JSA about 6 weeks ago now, and am still waiting for the results of my means test (Cork city). However, in the meantime I have turned 25. Now, I was given to assume the means test would no longer apply once I turned 25 (in fact I was told this by the mean test interviewer), so I called up wondering if I could move my application along any bit, but was told that I will still be means tested, and it doesn't matter what age I am. I live with my parents, as I have absolutely no money, and they are doing pretty well. Will I still be means tested based on their incomes? Or just my own? The people I spoke with today were just so unhelpful and I cannot find this info on their website. I was then told about the Community Welfare Officer (today is the first time I've heard of such a person), and I'm going to see her tomorrow. Can this person help me? What do I need to bring with me?
I'm sorry if these are dumb questions, with obvious answers that I just haven't found, but any help someone could give me would be much appreciated.

Balagan

Jobseekers Allowance is means tested for everybody but, in addition, if you are under 25 and living at home your parents/guardians' incomes will also be taken into account. So, your claim will reflect any means from 'the benefit and privilege' of living at home up until your 25th birthday and, from your birthday on, will only take your own means into account.

List of what to bring with you to the Community Welfare Officer when applying for Supplementary Welfare Allowance to tide you over.

How to apply

You should apply for Supplementary Welfare Allowance to the Community Welfare Officer at your local health centre as soon as the need arises. You must fill in a Supplementary Welfare Allowance claim form (pdf). The Community Welfare Officer can help you with this. To help process your claim, you should have the following:

Personal Public Service (PPS) Numbers (formerly RSI numbers) for yourself, your spouse/civil partner/cohabitant and your children
Proof of residency
Proof of identity, for example, a passport, driving licence, work permit, immigration (GNIB) card, etc.
Evidence of any income you and your spouse/civil partner/cohabitant and children are getting
A note from your local social welfare office and your last wages slip if you have just applied for Jobseeker's Benefit/Allowance
Your Child Benefit Book or Birth Certificates for any children you may be claiming for if you do not have PPSNs for them
Documents to show your income and financial situation, such as, pay slips, P45, P35, P60, bank statements, etc.
http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/social_welfare_payments/supplementary_welfare_schemes/supplementary_welfare_allow.html

FemGeek

Thank you Balagan, that makes a bit more sense to me now. I'll bring all that stuff with me tomorrow, and hopefully I'll get some good news out of it. Thanks again, I really appreciate it.