Jobseekers means test

ladystardust

Hi, my friend has been on jobseekers for a while. He was actively searching when Covid hits, and genuinely can't find work. He lives with his partner as he has literally nowhere else to go with no family to speak of. So, somehow, someone at the social gets wind that they are cohabiting and his jobseekers allowance is removed. He is freaking out. Partner earnsa wage but not a massive one. I cant find any information on specific earning caps for means testing of a couple. Only that it is means tested. It seems insane to me that they can penalise someone for cohabiting while not giving tax breaks that are given to married couples etc. I dont know. I just wish I cpuld help and all the info I can find is so confusing. Definitely don't have a head for numbers or tax stuff myself. Any help or insight would be amazing. Thanks in advance.

SourSessions

Try this

ladystardust

SourSessions wrote: »

Try this

Thank you very much. Brings me to page with alnost nothing but maths. Guess its more complicated than just a cut off.

mystic

Here's a rough guide to the JA means test when a partner is working.
Step 1. Total JA payable to a couple. €203 (personal rate) + €133.70 (Increase for a Qualified Adult) = €336.70 (1)
Step 2. Subtract €20 per day worked up to a maximum of €60 from employment (2) .
Step 3 Get 60% of partner's income after subtraction is done less PRSI, superannuation, union dues. Income tax and USC are not disregarded. This gives the assessable means from employment.(3)
Step 4. Subtract (3) from (1) to get the amount of JA (if any) due.
Example - partner earns €350 and works 5 days. No PRSI, etc. due
350-60 = 290. 60% of 290 is 174. 174 are assessable means.
336.70 - 174 = €162.70 JA due
Hope this helps

ladystardust

Big help! Thanks so much.

mystic

ladystardust wrote: »

Big help! Thanks so much.

I got the steps mixed up. I'll edit the post