Unsure About Claiming State Benefit

Motley Crue

OK, so here's my story, let me know if you can help or offer some advice because I want to know what my options are really.

I'm an Irish citizen, I was born in Ireland, and lived most of my life here until I emigrated to the UK in 2008. Earlier this month a situation presented itself, redundancy, which meant that I might have to leave the UK and return to Ireland. When I did live in Ireland (I left after my final year of college) I worked in Ireland part time through college and paid taxes as and when required on whatever earnings were above whatever threshold I was assigned too.

Although I have been on the dole in the UK for short periods, I have never been on the dole in Ireland, having never claimed any benefit in Ireland before.

What I'm wondering is whether, if I come home to Ireland (I'll have to live with my parents in the first instance) would I have any entitlement to benefits? I was informed (perhaps incorrectly) that because I haven't paid tax in Ireland in the last several years (due to me neither living nor working in the country) I was therefore not entitled to anything, but surely I have contributed something if I worked on a regular basis, albeit part time, from age 16 to when I left college and emigrated at age 23

I don't know whether I'd be entitled to a lump sum single payment or whether I could apply for regular Job Seeker's assistance while I search for work. That being said, my brother (who lives at the house as well) claims State Benefit and I don't want to impact on his claim - as it's the only money he currently gets - and I was led to believe that he had to apply for Benefit based on my parent's earnings. My mother, who is also sadly unemployed, did qualify for State Benefit but has been on it so long that it is now being stopped.

With all this in mind, do I stand any chance of actually getting Benefit, or should I consider simply sticking with the UK system or another country?

Agent_99

Judging by the attached link it is still possible to use your UK National Insurance Payments as equivalent to PRSI payment.
So you can claim Jobseekers Benefit (Not means tested) for yourself, when you come back. You may want to look into requirements for Habitual Residence as well before you leave the UK to make sure you have all the paperwork ready for the Social Welfare office, thinks like closed bank account and termination of leases for accommodation etc

http://www.welfare.ie/EN/Publications/SW123/Pages/1What%20is%20the%20purpose%20of%20the%20Agreement.aspx

mp22

Start here http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/social_welfare_payments/unemployed_people/jobseekers_allowance.html

Read this carefully http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/irish_social_welfare_system/social_assistance_payments/residency_requirements_for_social_assistance_in_ireland.html also http://www.welfare.ie/EN/OperationalGuidelines/Pages/habres.aspx

Your claim should not have any effect on you brothers.

mrsbyrne

If you have been getting JSB in the UK for at least 1 month you can transfer your JSB to here .You will continue to get it for 78 days while you ook for work. Whatever you do do not leave the UK until you organise that for yourself. I am constantly presented with folks who just arrive back from the UK thinking that it will all be organised from this end. It wont:) . so if you make you mind up, pop down to your Jobcentre wherever you are and get that ball moving. it take a bit of time so dont book flights/boat till all is sorted.