Dole after voluntarily leaving job

5mcdonag

Hubby left job last week cause back was giving out on him and job required heavy lifting. Tried working with bosses and almost got 2 day week with no heavy lifting but fell through in the end. Applied for jobseeker's benefit - has worked all his life (40), never been on the dole and has plenty of stamps but was given interview because he voluntarily left and needs reasonable cause. He has doc letter stating he had problems with back cause of lifting and that he is fit for other work. Will this be enough to overcome the 'reasonable cause' requirement? Has anybody had experience with it? Any advice for the interview? He hopes to start his own business soon but was told by the officer to get his dole in place first and then he can get help starting his own business like doing courses, etc. Was also told that if they say no, he is permanently disqualified and the 9-week ban no longer applies. So, this is a big deal for us as we have a large family. Thanks!

Sala

What do you mean if they say no he is permanently disqualified? From the dole? I can't see that happening if he has all his stamps. I would think he has reasonable cause, especially since he has a doctors note to back it up

mrsbyrne

He needs to apply for Illness Benefit immediately, not JSB.

5mcdonag

It's a new rule, the officer said. If you are disqualified cause of leaving your job voluntarily, you are permanently disqualified whereas before they disqualified you for 9 weeks. He can't apply for illness benefit because he can work, just not at the job he had.

Hotpants10

Hi,
I was in a similar situation. My claim was rejected the first time so I had to appeal and got it then. When I appealed I had a letter from my employer outlining my reasons for leaving. I also had several letters from places I had applied for work so make sure he is applying for jobs and keeping all evidence that he is doing so.
The most important thing I would say is to have everything written down before you go in, hand it to them to put with the case. Make sure it is crystal clear that he is able to work, available for full time employment and actively seeking suitable employment. Outline why he is leaving and add that there are plenty of other jobs he can do, just not that particular one.
What went wrong for me is that I explained it to the officer in the interview, and while she agreed with me and assured me I would get something, she didn't make it clear and detailed enough for the deciding officer who was reading it. So write it all down yourself and leave nothing out.
Oh and when I went in with the appeal they said if I had the letter from employer first time I would probably have gotten it.
Good luck

waffleman

I left a job in january voluntarily - I stated to the officer that the job just didnt suit my skillset and so it was impossible for me to keep working there. I wrote a letter outlining my financial situation and the fact that I had a mortgage and young child and needed the money. Also that I was confident of finding employment soon. They gave me Jsb straight away - no 9 week wait. Good luck.

Redtop

I can't believe what I am reading. Is it true that you can leave your job because "it does not suit my skillset" and then get JSA/Dole/Disability/welfare or whatever they call it today ? Sorry, but I've been working for 25 years in many jobs that "did not suit my skillset" but I've had to suck it up and stay working to keep food on the table, pay bills and of course to contribute taxes/PRSI so that the Government can pay JSA/Dole/Disability/welfare. Now that you mention it, my back has been giving me trouble for years. I'm sure I can get a doctor to write me a Cert. Am I a fool for not availing of this ?

mrsbyrne

Redtop wrote: »

I can't believe what I am reading. Is it true that you can leave your job because "it does not suit my skillset" and then get JSA/Dole/Disability/welfare or whatever they call it today ? Sorry, but I've been working for 25 years in many jobs that "did not suit my skillset" but I've had to suck it up and stay working to keep food on the table, pay bills and of course to contribute taxes/PRSI so that the Government can pay JSA/Dole/Disability/welfare. Now that you mention it, my back has been giving me trouble for years. I'm sure I can get a doctor to write me a Cert. Am I a fool for not availing of this ?

redtop you are going around the forum passing judgment on others and it is totally against the forum rules!:(:( Did you not read the rules??? I have reported the last post you made and i am reporting this one as well.:( Im not a mod but enough is enough. Keep your high-handed holier than thou attitude to yourself:(

Greenmachine

By leaving the job on his own steam he has really made thing difficult for himself, even if he felt he had a just cause.
It is up to his employer to make reasonable accomodations for his limited capabilities. They failed to do that from what you have reported. Was he claim sick leave for the 3 days each week he was off from the social welfare like he should have.

Illness cert sound like what he should be on to me, unless the doctor feels the problem is likely to continue for more than six months in which case, he should investigate Disability Benefit. And get ready for a long wait.

waffleman

Redtop wrote: »

I can't believe what I am reading. Is it true that you can leave your job because "it does not suit my skillset" and then get JSA/Dole/Disability/welfare or whatever they call it today ? Sorry, but I've been working for 25 years in many jobs that "did not suit my skillset" but I've had to suck it up and stay working to keep food on the table, pay bills and of course to contribute taxes/PRSI so that the Government can pay JSA/Dole/Disability/welfare. Now that you mention it, my back has been giving me trouble for years. I'm sure I can get a doctor to write me a Cert. Am I a fool for not availing of this ?

I was laid off last year and after a lot of searching found another job but it was not as what I was told it would be and the employer was taking libertys - i wouldv been sacked within weeks. I am giving another member the benefit of how I made the claim. I did not lie at any stage. The system is what is. I am currently searching for a new job but its not easy.

5mcdonag

Thanks hotpants10 and waffleman. That helps clarify things for us.
Greenmachine: he worked fulltime and although his bosses tried to sort a 2-day work week with less heavy lifting, the position never materialized. So, he has never been on the dole. This is the 1st time in his life he's tried to claim any social welfare. He is ok to work other jobs just not that one because it involved heavy lifting every day: so he is not looking for illness or disability.
Redtop: you are quick to judge. Not everybody wants to leave a job and belittling his back injury by saying you could get a cert for the same thing shows an ignorance of his situation. He's not a freeloader and is keen to do something else but, in the interim, after working for over 20 years, he should certainly be entitled to something. After all, he has also paid for over 20 years to help people in the same situation he now finds himself in. Constructive responses are worth aiming for. Thanks Mrs Byrne.