Social welfare questions about father

Alan2013

Hi all,

Hopefully you can help me. My dad has been self employed for the last 30 years or so, as a one man band. Due to older age (he is now 61), the downturn in the economy and general change in his industry,he was forced to close his business last year and as the company is now dissolved, he needs to sign on.

Unfortunately, I'm not fully aware of all of the procedures that relate to this process, and am not of much help to him with this next stage in his life.

If anyone can help me with any advice, it will be much appreciated

Thanks

Alan

mp22

Have a read here http://www.selfemployedsupports.ie/

Alan2013

Thanks mp22 for your quick response

wmpdd3

As he was self-employed he will need as much proof as possible that the business is now closed and he has no income at all.

He will need to show he is looking for work.

He will may need to go to the CWO weekly for a payment while he is waiting for his application to go to the inspector.

Alan2013

Thanks wmpdd33

Thankfully, we have been in a position to help him out with bills and a small mortgage for the last few years, but he wants to sort things out now.

As you can understand, older age and its effects, and a lack of skills (has been a one man band for the last 30 years) would not make him the most marketable candidate, but as I have told him all he can do is try to look for work

Thanks again for your advice

Alan

eastbono

He can apply for jobseekers allowance which is a means tested payment. He doesnt need to close down his business, he can still do some gigs as his claim will be categorised as selfemployed and his means will be assessed on his most up to date profit and loss accounts. His claim will be kept under review to see how well his self-employment is fairing with regards to income.

Alan2013

Thanks eastbono

He had to close his business last June, as his last real customer changed their procurement process which meant that the company was not viable in the future.

Do you know if you need to make a claim on a certain day, or can you turn up with your documents on any day?

Thanks

Alan

eastbono

It depends on the office. He should go to his local office on Monday and get things started and he can then go to his community welfare officer and apply for supplementary welfare allowance while he is waiting for his jobseekers to be processed. http://www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/Application-forms-for-Claiming-a-Jobseeker-Payment.aspx The application form can be printed off UP1 in his case and he can have it completed before he goes in. On the link it gives a list of documents that you need to take with your for proof of ID and proof of address.