Can I claim social welfare if I left my job voluntarily?

bean2710

Basically I left my job in April as I was leaving for Boston for the summer and I have just returned to Ireland but my position has been filled in my previous work.
I cannot find a job now and I am wondering if I can claim social welfare now as a result?

Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks

Princess Consuela Bananahammock

bean2710 wrote: »

Basically I left my job in April as I was leaving for Boston for the summer and I have just returned to Ireland but my position has been filled in my previous work.
I cannot find a job now and I am wondering if I can claim social welfare now as a result?

Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks

If you've paid PRSI contributions, I think so. There's usually a period you have to wait before you can sign on (9 weeks? used to be anyway) but that time will have passed.

EDIT - I was correct.
http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/social_welfare_payments/unemployed_people/signing_on.html

elfy4eva

As far as I know, they make you wait a 9 week penalty period if you voluntarily leave your job without good reason. I stand to be corrected however as i've not been in that situation myself. hope that helps!

bean2710

I left my job about 12 weeks ago now to go travelling in America. I was a student until April so I have never paid much PRSI. I didn't work in America either so should this mean I am safe to apply for benefits now?

elfy4eva

Apply anyway, they'll either give it to you or at least let you know where you stand.

Princess Consuela Bananahammock

bean2710 wrote: »

I left my job about 12 weeks ago now to go travelling in America. I was a student until April so I have never paid much PRSI. I didn't work in America either so should this mean I am safe to apply for benefits now?

What you did in America makes no difference.

If they rule you out on the PRSI issue, try for Jobseeker's Allowance.

http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/social_welfare_payments/unemployed_people/jobseekers_allowance.html

Fred Swanson

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