firstwetakemanhattan

LegacyUser

I am married to someone who is unemployed but not in receipt of any payment. We have no children. My partner has not been employed for sufficiently long out of college to be eligible for JSB.

I myself am a postgrad student, but I earn about €22k gross from part time work, which netts to about €1600 per month.

We have not approached the DSP because our understanding is that we are not eligible for anything based on a back of the envelope trial of our means. But we are really struggling. After rent (€750 pcm for a pretty basic flat) we have to really struggle to pay the bills. We both hate the idea of claiming benefits but we are seeing no other option ahead as this is having a massive impact on our marriage.

Are our figures correct? Is my spouse not entitled to any payment from the DSP?

mp22

Your partner should apply for JSA http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/social_welfare_payments/unemployed_people/jobseekers_allowance.html

A quick look at your means would suggest that some payment may be due.

A gross of 436 weekly (aprox 22k/year) less prsi, say 400.

Means test for €400/week.400 minus 60 = 340 get 60% of 340 = €204 means.
Max payment for a couple is 312.80 you might get €100 or so.

http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/irish_social_welfare_system/means_test_for_social_welfare_payments/work_and_jobseekers_allowance.html