Jobseeker's Allowance, Temporary Contract (3 months)

Nulligan

Hi all,

I expect to have an interview for a 3-month contract this coming week.
If offered the job, I'll be taking it and signing off as I'm hoping it'll lead to more permanent things

however, I'm trying to plan for the worst-case scenario which is being unable to find work after this 3 month contract

I'm receiving the old-rate of 144/week and I was wondering:
What's the process I should follow? I'm worried that, should things turn out ****e after the 3 month job, I'll have to sign on again as a 'new' claim and be bumped down to whatever the current rate is. More worryingly, will I have to go through the 6-8 week waiting period to reinstate my dole?


Just looking for a bit of advice as although I really want this job badly, it would be nice to not get ****ed for working as well, if possible

Phantasos

Best thing to do is ring them up and explain your situation to them - don't just sign off without saying anything. Tell them you have been offered temporary employment for 3 months and that you wish to sign off, but also that you are aware that you may be unemployed afterwards. At least if they know the circumstances they can put a note onto your claim file and they'll know this information should you wish to sign on again.

I've signed on/off before and kept my original amount of dole money - you should be similar unless they've changed it.

I've worked in the welfare office before - honesty is totally the best policy. If you're upfront and explain things to them, they should be accommodating. Good luck.

Nulligan

Thanks for the advice man, I really appreciate it.

In the past it seems that being honest has worked out, so I'll go that route again. The workers there aren't actually all that bad now that you mention it.

Nulligan

Well ended up getting called for the interview today at 1. Here's hoping it goes well!

Tombi!

Good luck with it.
Something like that happened with me. It ended up being a trial and they didn't keep me.
I signed off and all but was told the claim is still "there" since my circumstances didn't change.
So yeah just let them the know it's for three months and you won't be moving or anything that'll affect your claim and you'll be grand.

Also, good luck

Nulligan

Brutal Deluxe wrote: »

Good luck with it.
Something like that happened with me. It ended up being a trial and they didn't keep me.
I signed off and all but was told the claim is still "there" since my circumstances didn't change.
So yeah just let them the know it's for three months and you won't be moving or anything that'll affect your claim and you'll be grand.

Also, good luck

Thanks! I actually got offered the job and will be starting next Monday!

For anyone googling/searching this:
I just got off the phone with the SW. The lady on the phone wasn't the too informative - she basically said that my JSA of 144 euro a week was due to my age (just turned 24).

I'm assuming she ****ed up because I was still in receipt of that rate before my birthday. She told me to call back when it's all set in stone and that a future claim "wont take too long" as "they turnaround is quite fast these days"

/shrug

eastbono

€144 is the correct rate for a 24 year old.