BTEA Change of Residence/Situation

Tucker.Tim

I'm currently on the BTEA and attending college. As I was living with my parents at the time of application my rate is being judged against my parents' income but I've had to move out to attend college.

I assume I'm now eligible for the full rate (sans any age related limits) but I'd just like to know how do I approach this issue with (I assume my local welfare office) and what documents I need.

There was a huge ordeal with Welfare after I sent in my application for BTEA with them means testing me a second time, first refusing both my JSA and my BTEA and then taking months to rectify the situation. I'd like to hit this topic in the new year with all relevant information in tow so I can prevent as many problems as possible.

wmpdd3

You just have to go in with proof of your new address, ie Bill in your name and lease. You will have to be re means tested but I don't think you will have to precise anyone else details.

This may be different for under the age related rates.

Tucker.Tim

Just a follow-up on this

Contacted my Social Welfare office and the suggested I was going to be judged against my parents' income no matter where my residence was until I'm 25 (the officer wasn't entirely sure and even suggested it may have been changed to 26). The reason this is of interest to me is I'm turning 25 next month so if anyone with any experience could give me the lay of the land I'd be really happy and better prepared if I have to do something about it next month.

I knew there were age-based reductions in the base rate but this was the first I'd heard about someone aged 24 having their payment being judged against their parents' income when not living with them.

This article about mean testing seems to indicate that if you are aged over 24 that means testing on parents' income isn't possible, even if you were living with your parents: http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/irish_social_welfare_system/means_test_for_social_welfare_payments/how_parents_income_can_affect_jobseekers_allowance.html

Anyways, some clarity could be lovely and much appreciated

Tucker.Tim

Just hoping someone has experience with the Jobseekers' Allowance means testing at age 25 - if they can't calculate against my parents' income (no matter if I'm living with them or not) then I should be eligible for the full age-reduced payment of €144. That would be a huge boost for the new term.

Balagan

Tucker.Tim wrote: »

Just hoping someone has experience with the Jobseekers' Allowance means testing at age 25 - if they can't calculate against my parents' income (no matter if I'm living with them or not) then I should be eligible for the full age-reduced payment of €144. That would be a huge boost for the new term.

While you are on Jobseekers during the summer, your payment should go up to €144 when you reach 25 assuming you have no other means. AFAIK when you go back on BTEA it should go up again to €160, assuming again that you have no other means. If your payment doesn't increase after your 25th birthday go into SW and ask about it. And also ask for someone who deals with BTEA and check out about the €160.

Tucker.Tim

Balagan wrote: »

While you are on Jobseekers during the summer, your payment should go up to €144 when you reach 25 assuming you have no other means. AFAIK when you go back on BTEA it should go up again to €160, assuming again that you have no other means. If your payment doesn't increase after your 25th birthday go into SW and ask about it. And also ask for someone who deals with BTEA and check out about the €160.

I had assumed my BTEA during term would be €160 but from experience they still means test against parents' income so you only get a reduced payment, at least before you're 25. I'll find out next month, I guess. Thanks for your help.

Tucker.Tim

I've just been into my local Social Welfare Office and they told me the age I couldn't be means tested against my parents income (I'm on Jobseekers' Allowance) was 26 and not 25 as http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/irish_social_welfare_system/means_test_for_social_welfare_payments/how_parents_income_can_affect_jobseekers_allowance.html suggests. They mentioned it changed in Budget 2014.

Citizens' Information told me the age is 25. Even the above page was updated in January of this year so I can only assume the information is correct for Budget 2014. I do know the age-reduced rates for Jobseekers' were changed in the last budget but I doubt that would effect the rules with regards means testing because all that is dealing with is the base rate they use to calculate your payment?

Basically I'm totally confused now.

eastbono

The age for means testing against parents income is 25. You need to go back in to your sw office and query this. What changed in the budget is that reduced rate now applies to age 26 but means testing on parents income is still only on persons under 25.

Tucker.Tim

eastbono wrote: »

The age for means testing against parents income is 25. You need to go back in to your sw office and query this. What changed in the budget is that reduced rate now applies to age 26 but means testing on parents income is still only on persons under 25.

So they've got the wrong end of the stick??

Urgh, it's going to be fun trying to explain this one. Thanks for the heads up.

eastbono

Yes they did. They just saw that age related applies to age 26 and automatically presumed parental income also applies until age 26.... They are incorrect so stand your ground and get them to verify it.