Unemployment benefit - is it means accessed?

worded

Hi,

A friend who was PRSI to June 2014 will be unemployed on xmas eve.
They were contract (shelf company) from June and last day xmas eve 2015

Will they be means accessed or is it just a matter of signing on and having stamps they will automatically get benefit?

Can they sign on the 22/23rd if the office isn't open on xmas eve?

Thanks

king2

Unemployment benefit or Jobseekers benefit as it is now known is not means tested. The amount you receive is however based on your earnings for the relevant Tax Year which for 2015 is 2013. I dont know the exact figures off hand but basically if you did not earn at least approx €18,000 during the relevant tax year your payment is reduced in proportion to the amount you did earn down to a minimum of approx €75 to €80. So you may be better off to apply for Jobseekers Allowance instead which is means tested but not dependant on Prsi credits or earnings during the relevant tax year.

worded

Hi, she earned 30+ in 2014

If she is signing on from say 1st Jan 2016 what year is PRSI calculated ?
Is it 2 years prior or the previous year?

Thanks

king2

2yrs yes, 2014 is the relevant year if she claims in 2016