Reduced JA payment

K.C

Hi all,

Went to post office to collect the usual 188 euro today. Only received 124.80. My girlfriend recently had her claim processed and she was approved. She works 2/3 days a week depending. As a result, she is claiming for the other days not worked. I know that there is a cap on social welfare for couples of 312.80. As my girlfriend will receive only a fraction of 188 each week and not the total amount I dont understand why my payment has been affected.
Anyone else had this problem?
Thanks

mp22

Are you claiming JSA or JSB?

€124.80 is the qualified adult amount http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/irish_social_welfare_system/claiming_a_social_welfare_payment/claiming_an_increase_in_your_social_welfare_payment_for_an_adult_dependant.html

K.C

JSA.

cee_jay

There will be means based on your girlfriend's income which will reduce the maximum amount you can receive as a couple. However you should receive something from your SW office outlining these means. You should really ask at your hatch to explain how your payment is calculated because without exact figures nobody here could advise you further if the payment is correct or not.

K.C

cee_jay wrote: »

There will be means based on your girlfriend's income which will reduce the maximum amount you can receive as a couple. However you should receive something from your SW office outlining these means. You should really ask at your hatch to explain how your payment is calculated because without exact figures nobody here could advise you further if the payment is correct or not.

Hi,
Thanks for the reply. I received no notification of the reduction in money. I have tried ringing them numerous times to no avail. I understand that I am means tested but don't understand how we are capped at 312.80 as she is not receiving the full 188 every week. I'll get onto them tomorrow and hopefully they'll answer for a change.

cee_jay

When one or both of a couple are working while claiming, unfortunately its not as easy to say you will just get €312.80 a week because of the means. Your hatch should be able to provide a proper breakdown of what's happening.

maryk123

the max amount you receive as a couple is 312.00 so it doesnt really matter which way they give it but you wont get any more than that. so she either gets more and you get less or you get more and she gets less. or one claims for both.

eastbono

maryk123 wrote: »

the max amount you receive as a couple is 312.00 so it doesnt really matter which way they give it but you wont get any more than that. so she either gets more and you get less or you get more and she gets less. or one claims for both.

This is the case if both are unemployed but his partner is working casually therefore she will only receive x amount for the days not worked as means are assessed from her earnings.

K.C

Finally got through to them. My payment has been reduced as we are capped as a couple at 312.80. However, my girlfriend will make a fraction of the 188 as she works casually. We wont earn anything even close to 312.80 but we are still capped. Absolutely crazy system.