Over 62's: Labour activation exemption

DannoA1

Does anyone know of cases where someone just under 62 (say 61 years and 9 months) has been exempted from compulsory labour activation involvement e.g. Seetec and Turas Nua?

eastbono

You are exempt from activation once your are 62 years of age. If you are called for activation before your 62nd birthday then you still have to engage with the activation process for the required 12 months.

DannoA1

Thanks Eastbono for that information which sort of confirms what I already know. I am the hypothetical 61 plus 9 months old who has just been summoned by Seetec and am in the process of applying for an exemption on the basis of my proximity to 62 (and other personal circumstances). I would be keen to know whether anyone has heard of someone being granted an exemption on the basis of their proximity to 62.

I would also keen to hear from anyone who has knowledge or personal experience of Seetec's operation to in the UK: specifically the application of punitive sanctions such as cutting people off benefits.

smjm

According to http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/social_welfare_payments/unemployed_people/jobseekers_allowance.html:
"Penalty rates do not apply to people over 62.

Hopefully that would apply to you in a few months.

DannoA1

Thankyou smjm for drawing my attention to that. It's very helpful - and encouraging.

smjm

You're welcome. Best of luck!

DannoA1

I am over 62 and receiving jobseekers allowance. I now have only to sign on once a year and get my weekly payment paid into my bank account. I am thinking of leaving the country on a five week trip which is longer than the two weeks annual holiday allowed. Has anyone had experience of leaving the country without notifying Social Welfare and being pulled up by them on return? (Through passport control records being matched with Social Welfare records presumably) I'm thinking specifically of over 62's, but more generally too.
Thankyou.

Plugguy

DannoA1 wrote: »

Thankyou smjm for drawing my attention to that. It's very helpful - and encouraging.

Since 1 January 2014, if you are claiming Jobseeker’s Benefit or Jobseeker's Allowance and are aged 62 or over, you will no longer be required to engage with the compulsory activation process (see below) and you will not be subject to penalty rates for non-engagement. (All other rules for Jobseeker's Benefit or Allowance still apply.)

However, if you are already engaged in activation (selected and referred for engagement) or if you are currently taking part in an activation programme (such as Community Employment, JobPath or training courses), you are expected to complete the programme. If you leave activation programmes before completion, your jobseeker's payment may be reduced....See here http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/social_welfare_payments/unemployed_people/older_jobseekers.html

DannoA1

Thanks, I resolved all that in 2016. I'm keen to hear from anyone with something to offer in response to my more recent 'leaving the country' query.

DannoA1

OK, can I pose my previous question(s) more generally:

(1) Does anyone know whether there is a systematic computer link up between passport controls and the Department of Social Protection monitoring arrivals and departures?

(2) Has anyone subsequently been pulled in by the Department on return to the country after having left for a short period without notifying the Department? Or know of anyone who has?

DannoA1

DannoA1 wrote: »

OK, can I pose my previous question(s) more generally:

(1) Does anyone know whether there is a systematic computer link up between passport controls and the Department of Social Protection monitoring arrivals and departures?

(2) Has anyone subsequently been pulled in by the Department on return to the country after having left for a short period without notifying the Department? Or know of anyone who has?

Have a look at the State Benefits Charter close to the beginning of this forum, particularly No. 7: - Do not advocate, hint at, mention, talk about or otherwise mention any method of defrauding the Welfare or Health Board.

Cushie Butterfield

Make your enquiry here: https://www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/secure/GENENQ.aspx