First Benefit Claim & Spouse finance

legrand

Recently made redundant. In the application for Benefit the online form asks if married (I am) and then I am asked to provide details of spouse financials including income and savings.

I am entitled to the benefit, what has my wife's financial details got to do with my claim? After all if single the that detail is not needed.

Can I just claim to be single, I am only looking to claim job seekers benefit and nothing else.

Dempo1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058329515/first-benefit-claim-spouse-finance

This question is posed regularly. Whilst JSB is not means tested, the DSP request information on all household income.

If married you must supply the information requested, I would not recommend you claiming as a single person.

Cherry Blossom

Job Seekers benefit only lasts a limited amount of time, 6 or 9 months depending on your PRSI contributions. After that you are moved to Jobseekers allowance which is a means tested payment which is why they want your wife’s details. Do not claim to be single, that would be classed as fraud. Either fill it in correctly or write on the form Not Applicable for Jobseekers Benefit if you don’t wish to apply for JSA at this time.

Dempo1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121569589#Comment_121569589

Just to say, People are not moved to JSA, they are required to apply near the end date of JSB entitlement.

Happy new year 😉😉

Cherry Blossom

No you generally apply for both at the same time on the same form at the beginning of the process, then you are switched from one to the other.

wench

As a married/cohabiting person, when you apply for JSB, they will assess if you are due an increase for a Qualified Adult dependent.

That increase is means tested, the threshold being €310/week at the moment.

https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social-welfare/irish-social-welfare-system/claiming-a-social-welfare-payment/claiming-an-increase-in-your-social-welfare-payment-for-an-adult-dependant/

Dempo1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121569852#Comment_121569852

No, people can apply at the same time but obviously only one payment awarded, some choose JSA.

Near the end of entitlement to JSB, claimants are then advised to apply for JSA & Must complete the application process, there is no automatic transition from JSB to JSA.

legrand

Thanks for your advise