Habitual Residence

tojo33e

Hi there,
i am originally from Derry and i moved to Easkey County Sligo a year ago as i got engaged to my fiancee. I have been turned down for benefits under the Habitual Residence condition. I have been looking for work but there is no work available in the Easkey area so i have had to apply for Jobseekers can anyone advise me on what i can do as i cannot get any answers of the benefit office.

Pat Mustard

Go to citizen's information and speak to someone about what to do. You need advice and you need to find out about your options to appeal.

Not many solicitors will know about this area.

Perhaps you could apply for civil legal from the Legal Aid Board.

Also see here.

I am going to transfer this thread to State Benefits, as the people there are likely to be more knowledgeable in this area.

tojo33e

Ok thank you

ABajaninCork

OP - Have you appealed the decision? On what grounds was your appeal refused - I know you failed the HRC, but did you explain you were moving to the South permanently as you were marrying here? As you've no paid stamp in the South, you'll be assessed for Job Seeker's Allowance. So you need to show proof of paying stamp in the North - i.e a P45 from your last employer and P60's. The only other reason I can think of is your fiance - Is he working and is his income enough to disallow you from claiming JSA?

You need to show proof of residency - your lease (Welfare won't take rent books); Bank accounts showing your Irish address, proof you've left the North - closure of bank accounts, evidence you've moved. The Welfare document showing what will be taken into account is here.

Do you have a PPSN? If not, you need to get that in hand immediately.

But I would appeal. Get as much evidence as possible.

Hope this helps!

ABajaninCork

Another thought - I don't know Sligo at all. How far away from the border are you? Is there a possibility of you getting a job in the North, whilst living in the South? This might be of help to you if you're thinking that way.

schemingbohemia

Were you on benefits in the North? You could have transferred them here if you were, bit late now of course.