Calculating means for JSA

1moo345

Hi

So recently I was moved from jsb to jsa as contributions ended.

In theory, as I am under 25, I would go from 188 to getting 103... That in itself is bull, I have the same responsibilities this week as I did last week and am looking just as hard for a job but anyway, made my peace with that.

However my question is regarding how they calculate your means.

They have assessed me as follows:

Personal Rate : 193.00
Increase For QA: 128

Less Means 246.00
_______________
= 75.00 p/w

As in, my SOs wages come to 246 a week. They calculate what we WOULD get if he didn't have wages and it has to be under 246 to qualify I think?

So, my personal rate should be 103.00 as is for a 24 yo on JA. And if they used this rate in the calculation I should be entitled to full jsa = 103.

Am I right in thinking this? I did ask at the office but every time I explained he kept repeating I am on an age reduced payment. Which I get and am ok with, but I am then reduced again.

Thanks and sorry if it is confusing.

infogiver

Your max claim would be 205.40.
Look at your OH gross wage less PRSI and take €60 (if your OH is working at least 3 days per week).
Then take 60% of that figure, and deduct that figure from €205.40.
That's your JSA.

1moo345

infogiver wrote: »

Your max claim would be 205.40.
Look at your OH gross wage less PRSI and take €60 (if your OH is working at least 3 days per week).
Then take 60% of that figure, and deduct that figure from €205.40.
That's your JSA.

Ok I think I understand so 205.40 - 246 = -40.6

So they deduct that from the 102 to get my entitlement? I get you.

Sorry to be annoying but where is the 205.40 figure from? Is that if we were both unemployed? He is over 26 so it would still be a different figure or does that matter?

I am grateful to get any help so I don't want to sound ungrateful, I would just rather understand everything..

Thank you!

1moo345

Well they got back to me today and said it was calculated wrong.

And that I might not be entitled to anything at all.

We would actually be better off if he wasn't working at this point. It's a joke.

infogiver

1moo345 wrote: »

Well they got back to me today and said it was calculated wrong.

And that I might not be entitled to anything at all.

We would actually be better off if he wasn't working at this point. It's a joke.

your claim for him and yourself would be €205 if he wasnt working.

If he wasn't working and he claimed for both of you, his claim would be €321

1moo345

infogiver wrote: »

your claim for him and yourself would be €205 if he wasnt working.

If he wasn't working and he claimed for both of you, his claim would be €321

Yes, and would save 80 a month on medication with a medical card and most likely eligble for the HAP scheme.

So overall, better off.

1moo345

Anyway no point in complaining now, there are people worse off. Thanks for you help infogiver, much appreciated.

infogiver

1moo345 wrote: »

Yes, and would save 80 a month on medication with a medical card and most likely eligble for the HAP scheme.

So overall, better off.

Well, not really. If he were working but unemployed for at least 4 days out of seven then he would get the 321 less the means on his wages, you wouldn't necessarily lose the medical card, and working doesn't mean you won't get HAP.

Chieftain

Just to clear up how they calculate your JA. If you were entitled to the full rate of JA then it would be:
You: 193
Partner: 128.10
=321.10

Not sure whether you meant your spouses wages were 246 or whether that was what the means from his wages were, but these are deducted from the 321.10.
If the wages were 500 (after tax/prsi), then it would be 500 - 60 = 440, multiplied by 60% giving means of 264, which would leave you a payment of 57.10

In the past when you went straight from JB to JA, then you got the top rate of JA even if you were under 25, but not sure if that's still the case