What entitlement if I leave my job

calgary bound

I was wondering if I might be able to get some clarification from someone in relation to applying for job seekers after I have resigned from my job and the disqualification period as I feel I have no choice but to leave my current role.

I work a 5 hour daily round trip commute from my job, 2 years ago we moved 130 km away from where we were living for my Husband's job and I did this commute all through my pregnancy but I returned to work in February of this year and I am struggling mentally and physically from only seeing my baby for about 15 mins a day Monday to Friday. Work won't grant me a day off per week parental leave and I am at my wits end. I have been applying for jobs since last October and I have proof that I have been applying but I have yet to secure something where we live now (jobs are scarce compared to other parts of the country).

I suffered quite badly with post-natal depression and I am terrified that I will become depressed again as it wasn't long before I returned to work that I started to feel well again but this commute and lifestyle has me a broken woman at the moment.

If I resign, does anyone have any advice on what I would be entitled to in relation to benefits? I have never applied for anything from Social Welfare (other than child benefit) before.

Thank you.

gipi

You may be subject to a maximum 9 week disqualification for leaving your job. All claims are investigated, and if the DSP office decides that your reasons for leaving were reasonable, you might not have to serve the disqualification period.

Your entitlements after that will depend on your PRSI record - if you have a full record, you'll be entitled to the jobseeker's benefit rate for yourself (193 euro pw if memory serves) and possibly an increase for your child - depends on hubby's income.

You must be available for, and looking for work in order to qualify for jobseekers.

If you are still unemployed after your benefit runs out (9 months max), then you'll be subject to a means test for jobseekers allowance.

njs030

Well firstly you might be entitled to jobseekers benefit if you have enough contributions, if not you would be means tested again your husband's wage.

Secondly have you seen a doctor about your anxiety and stress? The 9 week waiting period can be waived in certain circumstances and a doctors letter would be helpful towards this.

calgary bound

Thank you both for your replies. I've had a look online there and I have worked full time since I left college I definitely have enough stamps for job seekers.

I have seen a doctor for my PND last year when it surfaced but not since I returned to work, I have thought about returning to him to discuss my situation but I never would have thought of that so thank you.

calgary bound

Thank you both for your replies. I've had a look online there and I have worked full time since I left college so I definitely have enough stamps for job seekers.

I have seen a doctor for my PND last year when it surfaced but not since I returned to work, I have thought about returning to him to discuss my situation but I never would have thought of that so thank you.

calgary bound

Thank you both for your replies. I've had a look online there and I have worked full time since I left college so I definitely have enough stamps for job seekers.

I have seen a doctor for my PND last year when it surfaced but not since I returned to work, I have thought about returning to him to discuss my situation but I never would have thought of letter so thank you.

calgary bound

Mod aplogies for the triple posting!

jimmycrackcorm

calgary bound wrote: »

I suffered quite badly with post-natal depression and I am terrified that I will become depressed again as it wasn't long before I returned to work that I started to feel well again but this commute and lifestyle has me a broken woman at the moment.

Go to your doctor and explain this - if you are unable to continue your work because of Post Natal Depression you will not be subject to the waiting period. 9 weeks is the maximum wait which is applicable for someone who takes the piss. I also know of more than one case where people had to wait that period but got it all paid back.

Wanderer78

would applying for 'illness benefit' work in this situation? your doctor would have to be involved in this process

Mr McBoatface

Seems to me you can't work due to illness , a medical professional would back this up I'm sure. Illnesses Benefit is based on contribution's paid through prsi and you most likely qualify for this payment. It's not means assessed and can last for 2 years should you need it

http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/social_welfare_payments/disability_and_illness/disability_benefit.html

Your doctor will be well use to these forms.

scaryfairy

When I looked into this is got similar info as posters above. Re parental leave - as far as I know your employer can only refuse it 1x , second time they have to approve it.
Perhaps someone can confirm it for you? I'm starting my 2nd round of 1 day off / week for a few months... I'm "only" doing max 3h - 3h20 commute a day but also struggling
Good luck

calgary bound

Thank you all for your replies - which I very much appreciate. I have enough contributions to qualify for illness benefit and I have an excellent GP who has been very supportive and understanding (my baby has also health issues so we regularly attend him and he keeps an eye on my mental health). He would support my application.

I guess I thought that my mental illness - it's taken a long time to admit that I have one - would not be considered grounds for illness benefit but I know the debilitating effects that it has on my health. I want to work but I also want to get better and heal from a traumatic year and maybe this might allow me that opportunity.

Thank you all for your time, I feel a bit of a weight off my burdened mind.

AulWan

You may genuinely be better off considering illness benefit if you are that stressed.

I had a friend in a similar situation. She resigned her job and applied for Jobseekers Benefit, and was told she was disqualified for nine weeks. That was okay, she was prepared for that. She went back after the disqualification period was up and her claim was still refused on the basis that they weren't satisfied she was making herself available for full time work. Be careful, if you intend going down that path, if you mention anything to do with limiting your attempts to find work or fit it around childcare issues at all, you can be refused.