Jobseekers Allowance for over 25s

DeiseDunne22

Hi there,
I was hoping someone could enlighten me on signing on when 25.
I recently became unemployed and went down to Intreo to sign on. They asked me for proof of my parents income and said I would be means tested since I live at home, however I was under the impression that once you reached 25 you were no longer means tested through your parents.
Any info online seems to reiterate this. Does anyone have any experience with this?
Any advice would be much appreciated.
Thanks!

*I should also mention that because I was working abroad in the states for the last while that I do not qualify for jobseekers benefit as I do not have enough stamps.

Xterminator

The jsa is means tested. always was.

link here to see what the means test includes
http://www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/jajbfaq.aspx#q2

Balagan

DeiseDunne22 wrote: »

Hi there,
I was hoping someone could enlighten me on signing on when 25.
I recently became unemployed and went down to Intreo to sign on. They asked me for proof of my parents income and said I would be means tested since I live at home, however I was under the impression that once you reached 25 you were no longer means tested through your parents.
Any info online seems to reiterate this. Does anyone have any experience with this?
Any advice would be much appreciated.
Thanks!

*I should also mention that because I was working abroad in the states for the last while that I do not qualify for jobseekers benefit as I do not have enough stamps.

Your understanding is correct. If you have reached your 25th birthday your parents' incomes will not be relevant to your means test.

When you apply for Jobseeker's Allowance, your means are assessed to see whether you will qualify. If you are 24 years of age or under and you are living with a parent or a step-parent in the family home, your parents' income is also taken into account. The Department of Social Protection call this an assessment of the benefit and privilege you get from living with your parents. http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/irish_social_welfare_system/means_test_for_social_welfare_payments/how_parents_income_can_affect_jobseekers_allowance.html

DeiseDunne22

Thanks for your reply.
Should I still bring in my parents payslips? They've asked for them and I don't want to give them cause to refuse me or give me the reduced rate.
Only one parent has income and even at that there isn't much disposable income left at the end of the week. I'd much rather be working and don't plan on being out of work for long but need something to get me back on my feet while I apply for jobs.

Balagan

DeiseDunne22 wrote: »

Thanks for your reply.
Should I still bring in my parents payslips? They've asked for them and I don't want to give them cause to refuse me or give me the reduced rate.
Only one parent has income and even at that there isn't much disposable income left at the end of the week. I'd much rather be working and don't plan on being out of work for long but need something to get me back on my feet while I apply for jobs.

You can take them with you if you wish but I would recommend printing this linked document http://www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/Jobseekers-Allowance--Benefit-and-Privilege.aspx pointing out the section which states "Benefit & privilege applies to persons under 25 years. The assessment of parental income continues to apply to persons aged under 25 who reside with a parent or step-parent. On reaching age 25 the B & P assessment should be revised to "Nil" and asking when/if that decision was changed. Chances are that when you go back there will be a different person dealing with you who will be properly informed.

Momo34

Hi sorry to jump in on this thread but new to this and not sure where to find the answer that I'm looking for!! I applied for jsa in Aug and today I was contacted to come in for a means test interview on Friday, just wondering what that entails, I have already submitted the forms and documents that they had asked for (bank statements, partners payslips). Just wondering what do I need to bring and what's involved? TIA

Dr. Kenneth Noisewater

Momo34 wrote: »

Hi sorry to jump in on this thread but new to this and not sure where to find the answer that I'm looking for!! I applied for jsa in Aug and today I was contacted to come in for a means test interview on Friday, just wondering what that entails, I have already submitted the forms and documents that they had asked for (bank statements, partners payslips). Just wondering what do I need to bring and what's involved? TIA

If they haven't asked for anything specific, I'd say just bring yourself, however, they might look for bank statements to cover the period between the time you applied and now, so I'd sort those out before attending. After that, it'll probably be a fairly straightforward chat with a SW inspector, nothing to worry about.

Momo34

Thanks very much!