Rent allowance question

keithkeith111

Can anyone tell me why I must return to my previous employer and have them fill out my forms to apply for rent allowance, this is not only humiliating but I dont see how it's any of their (past employers) business as to what benefits if any I am receiving.... I am currently on JSA.

Thank you.

mrsbyrne

The means test for JSA is different then that for rent allowance. If you were made redundant from your last employment, then €20000 of the lump sum would have been disregarded for JSA, but only €5000 will be disregarded for RA.

keithkeith111

have you posted in the incorrect thread?

Edit: I think I'm following you-ish, what if it was merely casual employment and I received nothing?

Cushie Butterfield

No, she hasn't.

They need to establish certain facts regarding your income & means. If you read the form you'll see the information that's required from the former employer, which makes it a bit more obvious why they need the info if you think about it.

They need to verify & establish whether or not you got a redundancy payment & whether or not you are in receipt of a pension & if so how much, if you're out sick, on strike, class of PRSI etc etc

It's understandable that you don't feel it's any of the former employers business, & I agree, but it's a combination of verification of facts & figures, a control measure & an anti-fraud measure.

Just fill in your name, address, DOB & RSI number. Give form to your former employer & ask them to fill in Part 3 41 -47. Fill in the rest when you get it back from them.

keithkeith111

Surely that information should be just available to them from the tax office. Oh well, thanks guys..

DeeMitch

I agree with the original poster on this. It is in breach of your privacy and the information can easily be obtained in less humilating ways. Just challenge it.