Earning less than the dole!

khaki

I live with my partner (who is unemployed) and our son. I work 20hours over 4 days, (4 x 5hour days ) and my job is 20 miles away. The thing is, my partner is actually getting more money than me - about €50 per week more - on the dole. After petrol expenses which cost me about €45 per week, general wear and tear on my car and the possibility of having to buy a second car, I am considering leaving my job.I have asked for my hours over 3 days or else full time work - neither of these are an option. The only thing that's keeping me working is the' pride' of having a job. Can't afford this pride for much longer!
Has anybody been in a similar situation and what did you do? Financially Im significantly better off not working! Any opinions appreciated.

Kaylami

I was originally employed on a 3 day week which then became 4. I was spending 60 quid a week on petrol and because it was 4 days had no social welfare. I spoke to the woman in the dole office and just explained my situation and showed her payslips etc. she told me that if I were to leave I could apply for social ( mightn't be successful, but she was pretty sure I'd get it)

I then went back to my employer and said its not worth my while I need 3 days or 5 or I'm leaving. I've been full time for over a year now.

First thing is go and talk to the social welfare and see what they have to say also look into Family Income Supplement not sure if you would meet the required hours but its a great help if you can get it.

http://www.welfare.ie/EN/Publications/SW22/Pages/1WhatisFamilyIncomeSupplement.aspx

khaki

Thanks for your help!
I've spoken to my employer about working 3 days and they will only let me work 3days if I drop to 15hours per week. It doesn't seem very fair considering my 20hours is really only 2 and a half days work!
I'll contact social welfare this week just to be sure of where I stand and get my facts right before I speak to my employer again. If they won't budge from a 4day week then I think I'll be leaving.
Applied for FIS last week, waiting to hear back
Hate the thoughts of not being independent but I'm not really left with much choice!

eastbono

The maximum you will get as a family if you are both unemployed is €342.60 so you need to do the sums on this before you give up your job.

khaki

Oh really? Didn't realise that! Thanks for letting me know. Well hopefully I'll just get my own way with my hours. I'm working for this company for 6years so fingers crossed!

katy67

To claim for fis, the minimum working hours is 19.5, maybe you should stay on 20hrs, 4 days a week