Might have to go on the dole soon

bassey

Hi, just some background.

I'm 22.

Finished school in 2009 and started an apprenticeship.

2011, after 2 years of apprenticeship got sponsered to study in DIT through company I worked for.

2012, Worked from June to September on student program in a company.

2013, Withdrew from course as it wasn't working out.

2013, Currently working in same student program as last year with same company, due to finish on 27th of September.

Returning to my course isn't an option at the moment, need to repeat and can't afford to.

I'm currently trying to resume my apprenticeship and hopefully find a company to finish out my last 2 years with.

Also looking for work in the sector I was working in during my summer jobs (credit control)

So at the moment I'm finished on the 27th with no course and no job to go into.

It's looking like I may have to go on the dole for a few weeks at least until I find a job.

I've never been on the dole but from reading on Citizens Information I think I may be entitled to Jobseekers Benefit due to PRSI contributions from all the time I've worked.

My main question is once I finish up in my current position how do I go about making sure I get any allowance I'm entitled to as soon as possible?

Also for a 22 year old, living at home with a single parent who doesn't earn much and also supports my younger brother, is Jobseekers Benefit means tested or capped due to my age?

Thanks for taking the time to read and appreciate all replys.

TL:DR: Come the 27h of September I have no job. How do I make sure I get the dole as soon as possible?

mp22

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

You should sign on the first day you are unemployed.

Annasopra

If you are finished on the 27th - goto your local SW office on the 30th and ask for a form to apply for jobseekers benefit

bassey

Thanks for the replies.

I'll be down the local social welfare office first thing on the morning of the 30th if I haven't found a job by then.

Would I need any documents on top of the following:

Passport / Drivers licence
P45
Statement of PRSI contributions
Bank statement

Would the above satisfy the proof of address?

Quiet Girl

They might ask for proof of income for who ever you are living with, also those documents wont do for proof of address... a utility bill will suffice, if you dont have one in your name you can get the person whose name its in to write a letter confirming you reside at that address, it worked for me anyway!

Quiet Girl

Also under 23's are only entitled to 100e p/w however you should get more if you have PRSI contributions, I think that will bring it up to around 144 p/w if they havin cut that!