Jobseekers Allowance for beginners

peteb2

Hi

My wife is currently out of work and it isn't looking likely that she will get a job. She is currently claiming jobseekers benefit. But after the 12 months i'm not sure she would be entitled to jobseekers allowance because of my salary.

How is the means test calculated? Does it take my own repayments for loans etc into account? I've looked at explanations on welfare.ie and citizensinformation.ie but they are as clear as mud.

Can anyone help? I'm freaking out a little here.

Thanks

Fran79

Hi
basically for working out JSA they do not take into account any loan repayments etc.

Basically they take all the income coming into the house. ie your wages. They then deduct €20 / day (max 3 days for the week).
They then assess 60% as means against the welfare rate for your family size.

e.g. if you get €500 / wk they take off €60 (3 days of €20)

They then assess 60% of the balance (ie 60% of €440 = €264)

So your weekly means = €264 / wk
This is then taken away from the welfare rate for your family size
so if you had 1 child your rate would be €188 (for an adult), + €124 (for your partner) + €29.80 (per child) Total = €341.80

Then take away your weekly means from employment and your left with €77.80.

€77.80 would be the rate of JSA per week.

Hope thats a little clearer for you

bagel2010

Hi just wondering what way would they calculate ja for some one whose spouse is self employed and sometimes doesnt bring home a wage

mp22

bagel2010 wrote: »

Hi just wondering what way would they calculate ja for some one whose spouse is self employed and sometimes doesnt bring home a wage

Generally you would have to supply last years certified accounts,this is what they use for calculating means.

bagel2010

mp22 wrote: »

Generally you would have to supply last years certified accounts,this is what they use for calculating means.

thanks for reply