Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 May 2024
311. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person from County Leitrim (details supplied) was not awarded jobseeker’s benefit despite working for a long number of years before her redundancy; the reason her Department has failed to communicate with the person, despite their best efforts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20485/24]
View answerTo qualify for Jobseeker's Benefit, a Jobseeker must pay Class A, H or P PRSI contributions. A person must have :
1) At least 104 weeks PRSI paid since they commenced work.
AND
2) 39 weeks paid PRSI in the relevant tax year (2022).
OR
3) 26 weeks paid PRSI in the relevant tax year (2022) and 26 weeks paid in the tax year immediately before the relevant tax year.
* If you do not have 13 paid contributions in the relevant tax year (2022) you must have paid 13 contributions in the following years
• The 2 tax years before the relevant tax year.
• The last complete tax year.
• The current tax year.
The person concerned made a Jobseekers application on 22nd February 2024. The governing contribution year for social welfare purposes for this application is 2022. The person concerned has 17 paid contributions in 2022. Unfortunately the person concerned does not satisfy the conditions above to qualify for Jobseekers Benefit, hence the claim was registered for Jobseekers Allowance (means tested payment).
On the 29th of Feb the Deciding Officer (DO) phoned the person concerned to explain that she did not qualify for JB and that the most appropriate payment would be Jobseekers Allowance ( Farm Assist).
In this regard the person concerned has been requested to supply the relevant documents and forms pertaining to a farm assist application. Once all of the above information has been received the Farm Assist application can be decided.
The person's application to 'sign' for credits for 2022 is currently under consideration. A deciding officer will also issue a formal decision in relation to the Jobseekers Benefit claim on which the appeal of the person concerned can be considered.
My Department will make further contact with the person concerned to ensure she is fully aware of how her application is being dealt with.
If the person concerned is having financial difficulties they may apply for Supplementary Welfare Allowance (means tested payment) at their local Intreo Centre.
