From Illness Benefit to JSA/B

DAndrews

Hi all,

I have been on illness benefit since OCT 2021 and hopefully with the blessing of my doctor I can return to work or at least start looking for jobs, maybe something part time to begin with but I'm open to FT time too if I think I'll be able to manage the workload.

I left my job when I was allocated Illness Benefit as it was a very small business and it wouldn't have been fair to my employer to leave my job open for an indefinite period of time. I worked for 12 years unbroken if that's relevant.

Am I entitled to JSA, JSB (I don't know the difference) if I am removed from Illness Benefit?

I'd prefer not to be on IB when I don't feel I am entitled to it anymore but I also need some form of income if I can't get work straight away.

Hope that's not too long. Thank you for reading and any help would be great.

PS: I did go to my local Intreo Centre and twice they had closed early due to maintenance or something. I will of course go there to clarify everything.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058251185/from-illness-benefit-to-jsa-b

Have you heard of partial capacity benefit - maybe have a look and see how it suits you.

https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/social_welfare_payments/disability_and_illness/partial_capacity_benefit.html

When you sign off IB, you're considered to be fit for work. The criteria for getting JA/JB (see below) are that you're fit for work, available for work and actively seeking work. From what you have written above, you should be eligible for JB. JA is means tested, so your eligibility would depend on your household income.

The same application form is used for JB and JA so when you're ready to come off IB and start looking for work you could just fill it in and send it off.

JB is a benefit based on your PRSI contribution history, meaning that it isn't means tested. It is paid for 6 months or 9 months depending on the number of social insurance contributions you have paid. It is taxable.

JA is based on your means and isn't taxable.