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Social welfare query

  • 16-04-2013 11:40am
    #1
    tnf
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5 ✭


    Hi, I've a query about social welfare if anyone can help me


Comments

  • #2
    bhamsteve
    Closed Accounts Posts: 451 ✭✭bhamsteve


    I'd say you're in the wrong forum, there's one that specialises in such matters here
    This is the forum for ranting about social welfare "spongers" :D

    I'm by no means an expert but sometimes even if you are receiving very little in benefits they will cover your PRSI stamps for the missing weeks. Missing stamps can have serious consequences if you do ever find yourself if difficulties, or when you retire. Ask in the welfare forum, there's plenty of knowledgeable people.


  • #3
    tnf
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5 ✭tnf


    bhamsteve wrote: »
    I'd say you're in the wrong forum, there's one that specialises in such matters here

    Oh thanks - am I able to move it or do you have to be a moderator to move? Sorry, new to this!

    Yes that's what the office said, something about PRSI stamps but it went a bit over my head...


  • #4
    bhamsteve
    Closed Accounts Posts: 451 ✭✭bhamsteve


    Mods can move them, otherwise just copy and paste the message into a new thread in the welfare section.
    I'd follow the advice of the welfare officer, know the system better than anyone.
    tnf wrote: »
    bhamsteve wrote: »
    I'd say you're in the wrong forum, there's one that specialises in such matters here

    Oh thanks - am I able to move it or do you have to be a moderator to move? Sorry, new to this!

    Yes that's what the office said, something about PRSI stamps but it went a bit over my head...


  • #5
    tnf
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5 ✭tnf


    I did sign on last time, as per her advice but I was interested to know what she meant and if I don't sign on between jobs, exactly what that could mean for me, i.e. - would I lose pension entitlement, part of pension entitlement, job seekers allowance, or something similar. I don't think she wanted to chat about it so I just did what she said and left but I'd like to know a bit more.


  • #6
    bhamsteve
    Closed Accounts Posts: 451 ✭✭bhamsteve


    All I know, from personal experience, is that for you to be eligible for certain benefits there are minimum numbers of weekly PRSI contributions required in your name, during previous years. For example it may be that they are looking for a minimum of 40 weeks contributions per year for the last 3 years.

    There's information on maintaining your social insurance here

    It might be worth a visit to your local citizens information office as it's a complicated system


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  • #7
    phormium
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,357 ✭✭✭phormium


    Your pension entitlements when you get to that age will be based on the average number of prsi contributions per year over your working lifetime, assuming it isn't all changed by then.

    Based on that if you are missing weeks every year by not being working and not signing on then you could have a shortfall. If you really don't want to take the money then ask can you sign for 'credits' during those weeks, this is done by people who don't qualify for any social welfare payment but are seeking work, it credits them with a contribution and therefore preserves the prsi record for future entitlements.


  • #8
    tnf
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5 ✭tnf


    bhamsteve wrote: »
    It might be worth a visit to your local citizens information office as it's a complicated system

    Didn't think of that - will do thanks


  • #9
    tnf
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5 ✭tnf


    phormium wrote: »
    Your pension entitlements when you get to that age will be based on the average number of prsi contributions per year over your working lifetime, assuming it isn't all changed by then.

    Based on that if you are missing weeks every year by not being working and not signing on then you could have a shortfall. If you really don't want to take the money then ask can you sign for 'credits' during those weeks, this is done by people who don't qualify for any social welfare payment but are seeking work, it credits them with a contribution and therefore preserves the prsi record for future entitlements.

    I see - what confuses me is that I understand paying PRSI will contribute to pension - but by claiming welfare I'm not actually paying in any money, just withdrawing which is what I don't understand about "stamps"

    As per your second paragraph - does that basically mean that the Welfare Office pay something on my behalf (like PRSI) and that's what amounts to pension in later years? I'll ask them about signing for credits so


  • #10
    petersburg2002
    Closed Accounts Posts: 346 ✭✭petersburg2002


    Employees are meant to pay 52 stamps a year. When you are unemployed the Department of Social Protection gives you credits. So if you worked for 40 weeks, the Department makes up the shortfall of 12 weeks. By not signing for credits you are essentially reducing the value of any future state pension you will get, as you will have have less stamps than say someone who has worked for 35 years (and has 52 weeks stamps for each year).


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