To claim Jobseekers Allowance or NOT?

ticn99

Hi

I've been a stay at home parent the past 8 years with 3 Kids, am now looking to return to work (on a casual basis initially, with a view to going full time).

During this period I didn't claim and Jobseekers benefit/allowance and my husband was the sole earner (all my tax credits are with him)

We have a medical card.

Would it be worth my while financially applying for Jobseekers benefit or would there be any disadvantages?

Thanks

Pronto63

ticn99 wrote: »

Hi

I've been a stay at home parent the past 8 years with 3 Kids, am now looking to return to work (on a casual basis initially, with a view to going full time).

During this period I didn't claim and Jobseekers benefit/allowance and my husband was the sole earner (all my tax credits are with him)

We have a medical card.

Would it be worth my while financially applying for Jobseekers benefit or would there be any disadvantages?

Thanks

1. Make sure you apply for homemakers credits for the period you were child minding. You’ll need them for your pension.

2. If you haven’t worked in 8 years you won’t qualify for JSB (benefit). It’s based on your PRSI (stamps) contributions.

3. JSA (allowance) is means tested so your partners will be taken into account. Depending on their earnings you might get a reduced payment. Always worth applying.

ticn99

Thanks for the reply, any idea if I qualified for the JSA...would it put my current qualification for medical card in jeopardy?

Pronto63

ticn99 wrote: »

Thanks for the reply, any idea if I qualified for the JSA...would it put my current qualification for medical card in jeopardy?

Can’t help there as I know nothing about the medical card.

Thinking about it logically I can’t imagine anyone that would qualify for SW would not qualify for a medical card.

dartboardio

No it would not jeapordise your entitlement to a medical card, and, people that are solely in receipt of JSA/JSB or any social welfare payment, are entitled to the medical card.