Would I be eligible for the dole?

Ciarajohnstone

I’m 20 years old and not in education. I’m unemployed and I am not able to get work anywhere - but I am willing to work and I am able too. Would I have any chance of getting it? Thanks.

White Clover

Ciarajohnstone wrote: »

I’m 20 years old and not in education. I’m unemployed and I am not able to get work anywhere - but I am willing to work and I am able too. Would I have any chance of getting it? Thanks.

Where are you located? There are endless jobs out there at the moment. This is tbe first thing the dole office will point out to you.

Sorry, but I don't buy the line of "I am not able to get work anywhere"

Ciarajohnstone

White Clover wrote: »

Where are you located? There are endless jobs out there at the moment. This is tbe first thing the dole office will point out to you.

Sorry, but I don't buy the line of "I am not able to get work anywhere"

Eh it’s true I’ve literallt tried all of Wexford

White Clover

White Clover wrote: »

There are endless jobs out there at the moment.

Nonsense.

Ciarajohnstone

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Nonsense.

No one will take me in as I’ve no experience whatsoever I’m on a gap year just out of school

spurious

Contact a recruitment agency. They seem to have no end of unskilled jobs in Dublin at least. I would imagine there are plenty in Wexford too.
Or go back and do a PLC to become more employable?

refusetolose

go to your social welfare office and sign on

yenom

Ciarajohnstone wrote: »

I’m 20 years old and not in education. I’m unemployed and I am not able to get work anywhere - but I am willing to work and I am able too. Would I have any chance of getting it? Thanks.

It all depends on your parents' income and things like others dependent on their income and mortgage. Go onto www.mywelfare.ie and book an appointment, the worst they are going to say is no.

fritzelly

Lot changed in a few weeks

https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=106504714

That would exclude you

White Clover

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Nonsense.

Not true and you know it.
The company I work for and several more small businesses in our town all have vacancies to fill. I'm sure it's not just our town either.
The op needs to be pro active here. Signing on the dole at 20 is no laughing matter.

fritzelly

White Clover wrote: »

The op needs to be pro active here. Signing on the dole at 20 is no laughing matter.

Better to find a job now even if not one you like but bearable just to get some experience behind you than thrown on some mindless job forced on you by Jobspath or whatever its called
Call centers seem to be crying out for young people - no experience bar being able to answer a phone and talk!

blumcm

Ciarajohnstone wrote: »

I’m 20 years old and not in education. I’m unemployed and I am not able to get work anywhere - but I am willing to work and I am able too. Would I have any chance of getting it? Thanks.

Defence Forces are hiring again if you're interested.

From my experience when I applied for social welfare when in between jobs, I was means tested. From what I have experienced they are not helpful for getting you into employment, you'd be best to start signing up to job websites and putting your CV out there even for part-time work or maybe look into apprenticeships.

White Clover

White Clover wrote: »

Not true and you know it.
The company I work for and several more small businesses in our town all have vacancies to fill. I'm sure it's not just our town either.
The op needs to be pro active here. Signing on the dole at 20 is no laughing matter.

What kind of jobs are they, out of curiousity?

I'm self employed, myself, and not looking for work, but I know of a fair few people around me who are looking for jobs and nothing is coming up.

Despite the near full employment numbers we hear, people are still flocking to job vacancies and interviews to change from their current jobs. Making it nearly impossible to actually get a job.


There may be jobs going, but they're still severely over-subscribed by and large.


Relatedly: I will announce to the world my own theory as to why this is: Most employers are cnuts. I know lots of people who have been to jobs that are jobs only desperate people would take.

Lots of jobs where you get minimum wage on paper, or only slightly better, but are expected to work lots of 'auxiliary' hours or cover your own expenses.

A cleaning job is a job you'd put down as being 'sure anyone can do that' was advertised recently, and a friend applied to it. 'Competitive' was the description of the wages. It was €10.30 per hour, and it was 6 hours work each night, starting at midnight.

Except you didn't get it that handy. The company had you in 3 separate factories, for 2 hours each. You had a start time of midnight, 3am and 6am. So an hour break between each one to give you time to move around between them (they're about 20 mins from each other). You get paid only for the 6 working hours and you cover your own petrol costs, even though it's an 8 hour day by anyone's calculations.


That's the kinda sh'te that's going on that's making people flock to other jobs to try and get a decent employer, and then those terrible jobs come up time and time again.


So I maintain a reply of 'nonsense' to your statement of there being loads of jobs. I'd rather be signing on at 20 than working my jock off and making nothing for it in the name of a bit of 'experience' that most likely won't stand to you anyway.

At least if you're on the dole you can get a few freebie education or training courses under your belt and go from there.


OP have you an idea what you'd like to do?

In relation to the defence forces, if you're in any way fit at all, do all you can to get in there. I know a few people in the army and they're all of the same opinion, that they'll bust your ass for 6 months and then after that it's a handy number with loads of opportunities to learn more in a load of different areas, and make decent money while you're at it.

If I could go back in time ten years, I'd be going straight for the army.

White Clover

[Deleted User] wrote: »

What kind of jobs are they, out of curiousity?

I'm self employed, myself, and not looking for work, but I know of a fair few people around me who are looking for jobs and nothing is coming up.

Despite the near full employment numbers we hear, people are still flocking to job vacancies and interviews to change from their current jobs. Making it nearly impossible to actually get a job.


There may be jobs going, but they're still severely over-subscribed by and large.


Relatedly: I will announce to the world my own theory as to why this is: Most employers are cnuts. I know lots of people who have been to jobs that are jobs only desperate people would take.

Lots of jobs where you get minimum wage on paper, or only slightly better, but are expected to work lots of 'auxiliary' hours or cover your own expenses.

A cleaning job is a job you'd put down as being 'sure anyone can do that' was advertised recently, and a friend applied to it. 'Competitive' was the description of the wages. It was €10.30 per hour, and it was 6 hours work each night, starting at midnight.

Except you didn't get it that handy. The company had you in 3 separate factories, for 2 hours each. You had a start time of midnight, 3am and 6am. So an hour break between each one to give you time to move around between them (they're about 20 mins from each other). You get paid only for the 6 working hours and you cover your own petrol costs, even though it's an 8 hour day by anyone's calculations.


That's the kinda sh'te that's going on that's making people flock to other jobs to try and get a decent employer, and then those terrible jobs come up time and time again.


So I maintain a reply of 'nonsense' to your statement of there being loads of jobs. I'd rather be signing on at 20 than working my jock off and making nothing for it in the name of a bit of 'experience' that most likely won't stand to you anyway.

At least if you're on the dole you can get a few freebie education or training courses under your belt and go from there.


OP have you an idea what you'd like to do?

In relation to the defence forces, if you're in any way fit at all, do all you can to get in there. I know a few people in the army and they're all of the same opinion, that they'll bust your ass for 6 months and then after that it's a handy number with loads of opportunities to learn more in a load of different areas, and make decent money while you're at it.

If I could go back in time ten years, I'd be going straight for the army.

Jobs that require a work ethic.
The op has surely notched up a few summer jobs at this stage so is bound to have some experience in the workplace in some capacity?

I don't think it is helpful to the op to be advising them to sign on the dole. You should be encouraging them to set their sights a little higher than that. No excuses!

fritzelly

@KKV (not gonna quote all that)

Unfortunately you have to take those crap jobs to get on the profession ladder and that is why there will always be those types of jobs - outta school, little to no qualifications, no work experience etc.
But you will have more chance at a better job saying I stuck at this crap for 6 months than someone saying yeah I was on the dole because I couldn't find a job that suited my social life or wage requirements - the former says hard worker, the latter says slacker. I know who I would hire

blumcm

Deleted User wrote: »

In relation to the defence forces, if you're in any way fit at all, do all you can to get in there. I know a few people in the army and they're all of the same opinion, that they'll bust your ass for 6 months and then after that it's a handy number with loads of opportunities to learn more in a load of different areas, and make decent money while you're at it.

If I could go back in time ten years, I'd be going straight for the army.

Was in the army myself for awhile but left as it wasn't for me. The wages aren't great at the moment if you go in as a recruit but better if you manage to get in as a cadet but the standard is hight to got the officer route.

Hitman3000

White Clover wrote:

I don't think it is helpful to the op to be advising them to sign on the dole. You should be encouraging them to set their sights a little higher than that. No excuses!

Did you miss where he also steered the OP to the Army?

Hitman3000

Ciarajohnstone wrote:

I’m 20 years old and not in education. I’m unemployed and I am not able to get work anywhere - but I am willing to work and I am able too. Would I have any chance of getting it? Thanks.

Hotels are on the look out for staff at the moment. Some offer live in or subsidized accommodation. Ashford Castle in Mayo is currently hiring. Or just ring some local hotels. If you want work you need to be proactive. As suggested the Army could be for you, the Guards are also recruiting.

White Clover

Hitman3000 wrote: »

Did you miss where he also steered the OP to the Army?

What was the need for the long essay so?

fritzelly

White Clover wrote: »

What was the need for the long essay so?

Was basically a tl;dr go on the dole til you find a job that pays 50k a year and hours to suit you.
Fortunately there are people who prefer to work than sponge off everyone else otherwise society would grind to a halt - so be thankful for those guys/gals

splinter65

OP if you are in full time education at the moment then you are not eligible for JSA.
If your PLC is over already and you can get a letter from the College to say that it is over then you can sign on but you will be means tested against your parents income and the max you can get is €100.
They will immediately contact you as soon as your payment is in place in order to get you engaged with job activation services which means that you will be put into the first entry level position they find for you, irregardless of wether you’d like it or not.
You don’t have any qualifications or experience so it will just be whatever comes up next.

Hitman3000

White Clover wrote:

What was the need for the long essay so?

No idea, maybe ask the person?

White Clover

fritzelly wrote: »

Was basically a tl;dr go on the dole til you find a job that pays 50k a year and hours to suit you.
Fortunately there are people who prefer to work than sponge off everyone else otherwise society would grind to a halt - so be thankful for those guys/gals

Precisely. Absolute rubbish.

fritzelly

fritzelly wrote: »

Was basically a tl;dr go on the dole til you find a job that pays 50k a year and hours to suit you.

That's one way of interpreting it alright. My comment about perhaps looking at the army or returning to education instead of slogging it for less than minimum wage obviously went over your head.

There's a real theme in Ireland lately that 'experience' is everything. Experience in a low paid job will give you experience to do another low paid job. How many people do you know go from working at the tills in retail to managing a team of financial advisors?

It never happened, doesn't happen, and never will.

Fortunately there are people who prefer to work than sponge off everyone else otherwise society would grind to a halt - so be thankful for those guys/gals

I know; I'm one of them. Self employed and tax compliant.



There's a big difference in going out and working to earn your crust, and being taken for a fool by working for nothing.


I'd absolutely encourage someone to stay on the dole and seek out the training on offer, instead of working for the same money they'd be getting on the dole.

If someone came to me looking for a job and said they worked 40 hours a week for the same money they'd get on the dole, my first impression wouldn't be 'what a hard worker', it'd be 'this chap has no value of himself or his own time'.

It's like the people that did internships in car washes or tyre places with jobbridge. It will never stand to them.


(As an aside, the reason for my 'essay' was to add context and substance to my post and my opinion on the topic. To explain my reasoning behind my thinking. Perhaps I'll stick with one-word replies in future, to prevent anyone getting confused).

splinter65

[Deleted User] wrote: »

That's one way of interpreting it alright. My comment about perhaps looking at the army or returning to education instead of slogging it for less than minimum wage obviously went over your head.

There's a real theme in Ireland lately that 'experience' is everything. Experience in a low paid job will give you experience to do another low paid job. How many people do you know go from working at the tills in retail to managing a team of financial advisors?

It never happened, doesn't happen, and never will.



I know; I'm one of them. Self employed and tax compliant.



There's a big difference in going out and working to earn your crust, and being taken for a fool by working for nothing.


I'd absolutely encourage someone to stay on the dole and seek out the training on offer, instead of working for the same money they'd be getting on the dole.

If someone came to me looking for a job and said they worked 40 hours a week for the same money they'd get on the dole, my first impression wouldn't be 'what a hard worker', it'd be 'this chap has no value of himself or his own time'.

It's like the people that did internships in car washes or tyre places with jobbridge. It will never stand to them.


(As an aside, the reason for my 'essay' was to add context and substance to my post and my opinion on the topic. To explain my reasoning behind my thinking. Perhaps I'll stick with one-word replies in future, to prevent anyone getting confused).

Anybody getting 40 hours per week at even minimum wage is getting far more then they’d get on JSA. Do your not ever going to get the opportunity to tell them that they’ve not put a value on themselves.

Hitman3000

splinter65 wrote:

Anybody getting 40 hours per week at even minimum wage is getting far more then they’d get on JSA. Do your not ever going to get the opportunity to tell them that they’ve not put a value on themselves.

The guy on min wage doesn't get medical card, rent allowance, winter fuel allowance access to free educational courses few other goodies aswell. Personally I think for mental health reasons a person is better off working, sometimes though financially it's not worth it.

jimbobaloobob

Deleted User wrote: »

What kind of jobs are they, out of curiousity?

I'm self employed, myself, and not looking for work, but I know of a fair few people around me who are looking for jobs and nothing is coming up.

Despite the near full employment numbers we hear, people are still flocking to job vacancies and interviews to change from their current jobs. Making it nearly impossible to actually get a job.


There may be jobs going, but they're still severely over-subscribed by and large.


Relatedly: I will announce to the world my own theory as to why this is: Most employers are cnuts. I know lots of people who have been to jobs that are jobs only desperate people would take.

Lots of jobs where you get minimum wage on paper, or only slightly better, but are expected to work lots of 'auxiliary' hours or cover your own expenses.

A cleaning job is a job you'd put down as being 'sure anyone can do that' was advertised recently, and a friend applied to it. 'Competitive' was the description of the wages. It was €10.30 per hour, and it was 6 hours work each night, starting at midnight.

Except you didn't get it that handy. The company had you in 3 separate factories, for 2 hours each. You had a start time of midnight, 3am and 6am. So an hour break between each one to give you time to move around between them (they're about 20 mins from each other). You get paid only for the 6 working hours and you cover your own petrol costs, even though it's an 8 hour day by anyone's calculations.


That's the kinda sh'te that's going on that's making people flock to other jobs to try and get a decent employer, and then those terrible jobs come up time and time again.


So I maintain a reply of 'nonsense' to your statement of there being loads of jobs. I'd rather be signing on at 20 than working my jock off and making nothing for it in the name of a bit of 'experience' that most likely won't stand to you anyway.

At least if you're on the dole you can get a few freebie education or training courses under your belt and go from there.


OP have you an idea what you'd like to do?

In relation to the defence forces, if you're in any way fit at all, do all you can to get in there. I know a few people in the army and they're all of the same opinion, that they'll bust your ass for 6 months and then after that it's a handy number with loads of opportunities to learn more in a load of different areas, and make decent money while you're at it.

If I could go back in time ten years, I'd be going straight for the army.

One of the biggest criteria for the army is to take instruction from a boss that as you say can be a cnut.
Being self employed shows a certain lack of ability to take instruction in the eyes of some employers. Not a hit at you just making the point.

splinter65

Hitman3000 wrote: »

The guy on min wage doesn't get medical card, rent allowance, winter fuel allowance access to free educational courses few other goodies aswell. Personally I think for mental health reasons a person is better off working, sometimes though financially it's not worth it.

The guy leaving JSA to start work gets to keep his medical card for 3 years. The guy infull time work on minimum wage will qualify for HAP which has replaced rent allowance in most counties at this stage. The guy in full time work doesn’t have time to do an educational course. The guy in full time work on minimum wage will get FIS if he has dependent kids. The guy in full time work will also get BTWFD if both he and his partner sign off JSA completely.

Hitman3000

splinter65 wrote:

The guy leaving JSA to start work gets to keep his medical card for 3 years. The guy infull time work on minimum wage will qualify for HAP which has replaced rent allowance in most counties at this stage. The guy in full time work doesn’t have time to do an educational course. The guy in full time work on minimum wage will get FIS if he has dependent kids. The guy in full time work will also get BTWFD if both he and his partner sign off JSA completely.

Lot of assumptions on guy in work. Single guy in work on min wage is not doing all that great but as I said mental health wise far better to be working.

splinter65

Hitman3000 wrote: »

Lot of assumptions on guy in work. Single guy in work on min wage is not doing all that great but as I said mental health wise far better to be working.

Single guy on JSA gets €198 + €22.50 FA from Oct to April.
There are no other “goodies”.
Starts full time work and is getting €382 per week gross.
The whole “better off on the dole” is ****e.

Hitman3000

Hitman3000 wrote: »

Lot of assumptions on guy in work. Single guy in work on min wage is not doing all that great but as I said mental health wise far better to be working.

As an aside, although I am arguing against 'working for nothing', I do agree with you, that it's better to be kept occupied and doing something for the sake of mental health.

I think that's why a lot of people who aren't working (not just dole heads, but retired, injured, etc.) end up doing volunteer work and the like to stay busy.

It makes a massive difference to your general outlook on things.

jaxxx

Hitman3000 wrote: »

The guy on min wage doesn't get medical card, rent allowance, winter fuel allowance access to free educational courses few other goodies aswell. Personally I think for mental health reasons a person is better off working, sometimes though financially it's not worth it.

Understatement of the millenium. And I'm saying that as someone in that exact scenario. I've applied for all manner of entry level jobs, ranging from cleaning to retail to everything I can see and think of. Nothing.

Mental health status with being unemployed for so long, scale of 1 - 10? It's creeped into the minus figures, dangerously so. I love all these people who say there are plenty of jobs out there. I would give an arm and a leg for them to experience someone in my position who is genuinely looking for work and has been for A LONG TIME and just cannot get anything. I guarantee you that you won't be the same person for it. Cos I for sure sometimes struggle to recognise myself in the mirror. "So many jobs out there", ignorance of the highest level as far as I'm concerned.

funkypumpkins

Deleted User wrote: »

Nonsense.

Well I am not disputing that it is sad to have to resort to the dole when you are young and are able to work, it has to be said that employers do discriminate on experience and can be quite pickey, no matter how proactive you are/go into shops and ask for the manager. I ended up leaving Ireland for that very reason as the work I could get barely allowed me to survive. So think before you judge, especially if the OP is making a genuine effort.