Girlfriend claims she not able to claim JSA

jface187

Hi everyone.

My Girlfriend had to leave her job due to bullying and stress. She did her two weeks notice. I'm trying to get to go down to welfare office to get started on the JSA. She claims she won't get anything becuase we live together. We lived together for almost three years. She read because of this she not going to get anything. I only make basic wage there no way I can even cover the rent let alone make enough money to look after both our needs. It just doesn't seem right to me, can anyone help? or know what the score is? Were not married, I know she have to wait 9 weeks since she left her job.

Thanks.

El Tarangu

Depending on how long she has been working, she could qualify for JSB as opposed to JSA, and JSB is not means-tested.


How long has she been in working, and has she been working full-time?

Dial Hard

Once she has the requisite number of PRSI weeks built up, she's entitled to Job Seeker's Benefit, which isn't means-tested so you don't come into the equation.

If she has trouble finding a new job (and in this market, she shouldn't) and her JSB runs out and she has to apply for Jos Seeker's Allowance, that is means-tested and your salary will be taken into consideration. If it's as low as you say, though, she may still pass the means test.

hobie21

Why wouldn't she just get another job?

jface187

She is currently looking for work. It just you know in the menatime will still have to pay all the bills. Thanks for your input.

She been working five years, Yeah think the JSB will work.

Thanks for all the helpfull answers.

AulWan

If she voluntarily left her job she could be disqualified from claiming for 9 weeks.

The deciding officer can waive this, and will probably want to interview her as to why she gave up a job.

antix80

I gave up an intolerable job. Exclusion period didn't apply for JSB.

AulWan

Whether the waiting period is waived or not is on a case-by-case basis and totally at the discretion of the Deciding Officer.

They may question why she stayed to work two weeks notice if the conditions were so bad that she had to leave.


Under the operational guideines for Jobseekers Benefit:

Disqualifications for up to 9 weeks:
A person may be disqualified from receipt of JB in certain circumstances. Any period during which a person is disqualified is counted as part of the continuous period of unemployment.

A person who would otherwise be entitled to payment may be disqualified from receiving JB for such a period as may be determined by a Deciding Officer, up to a maximum of 9 weeks, for any of the following reasons:

• Refusal of an offer of suitable employment
• Loss of employment because of wilful misconduct
• Leaving employment voluntarily without just cause
• Refusal or failure to engage with activation measures where penalty rates applied
• If under the age of 55 and made redundant, the person has received a lump-sum redundancy payment in excess of a specified amount.

The sooner she signs on the better. There will most likely be a penalty but get her to go there ASAP.