On the dole
What's it all about?
What is the dole?
In Ireland, the unemployed are entitled to social assistance from the government.
There are two main types of unemployment benefit: Jobseeker’s benefit and Jobseeker’s allowance.
To get Jobseeker’s benefit you must have worked and paid PRSI contributions. PRSI is a form of tax you pay every month when you are working. If you have not paid enough PRSI, you will not be eligible for Jobseeker’s benefit and instead will have to apply for Jobseeker’s allowance. With Jobseeker’s allowance, you will be means tested to see what your income is. If it falls below a certain cut-off point you will be entitled to Jobseeker’s allowance.
Who is entitled to it?
If you lose your job, cannot get a job, are made redundant or your working hours are reduced, you are entitled to social assistance. Also, if you voluntarily leave a workplace, you are entitled to benefits. However in this case, you have to wait nine weeks before applying for social welfare.
How to apply:
You must go to your local Social Welfare Office and fill out some forms. Some offices require you to make an appointment, but most are usually walk in services where you take a ticket with a number on it and then go to the counter when your number is called. You then talk to an advisor who will tell you what you need to apply for and how to do it. You usually need to bring a passport or some form of ID along with your PPS number.
What do you get?
You get paid weekly and usually the money is transferred directly into your bank account. You can also collect your money form your nearest Post Office. While on the dole, you must go to your local office every month and sign on, confirming you are willing and able to work. If you live over 10 miles from your nearest social welfare office however, you will only have to sigh on every 12 weeks.
While you are waiting for your dole to come through, you may qualify for a supplementary welfare allowance. A supplementary welfare allowance is basically an emergency payment you get if you cannot afford to wait until your dole comes through. More form filling is required for this payment!
The current Jobseeker’s allowance maximum rate for those over 25 is €196. The current maximum rate for people aged 18-21 is €100 and the current maximum rate for those between the ages of 22-24 is €150.
Other Entitlements:
If you are on the dole you may be entitled to other benefits such as a medical card, mortgage interest payments or rent relief. Enquire at your local citizen’s information branch or social welfare office for details on how to get these other payments.
Are you on the dole? Do you think you get enough money? Are you okay about being on it or do you find it depressing? Chat about it in the forum.
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