Documentation checklist when applying for Jobseeker's Benefit

When you apply for Jobseeker's Benefit you must bring certain documents with you.

You can provide evidence of your identity by showing your passport or your driver's licence.

If you do not have either a passport or driver’s licence, you should bring any other document that you may have, particularly one that has your photograph on it.

The following documents may also be acceptable: credit card, debit card, medical card, age ID card, work ID card, club membership card.

The following items are not accepted as proof of identity:

• Birth or baptismal certificates
• Bills or personal letters

A claim cannot be decided until identity has been proven

You may be asked to show evidence of your address. You should bring any of the following documents:

• Recent bills from utility companies such as electricity, telephone (landline or mobile), gas, cable television, waste charges etc.
• Recent statements/letters from banks, building societies, credit unions, credit card companies or other financial institutions
• Recent letters addressed to you from insurance companies, local authorities, government departments or the Revenue Commissioners
• Local authority rent book, mortgage or leasing agreement

Note: a recent document is one issued within the last 2 months. All documents must be originals, not photocopies.

If there is doubt about your address, the Jobseeker's Benefit claim is not paid until your address is verified.

You will also need to bring the following documents and information with you:

You will need to bring the following documents with you when you apply for Jobseeker's Benefit:

• Your Public Services Card (if you don't have one you will be asked to register for one when applying for Jobseeker's Benefit)
• Your Personal Public Service Number
• Details of your availability for work and any efforts you have made to get work. For example, letters you have written to employers and any responses you have received
• Details of your income
• Details of your spouse/partner's income (if any)
• Details of your dependent children
• Proof of your identity - see below for more information
• Proof of address - see below for more information

If you are made redundant you will also need to bring documentation showing how much redundancy you have received. If you are getting more than statutory redundancy you should bring a letter from your employer stating how much redundancy you have been given. If your claim for redundancy hasn’t yet been settled you should still apply for Jobseeker’s Benefit. When you get your redundancy payment you must inform your Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office.

If you are laid off temporarily, you must also bring a letter from your employer stating the following:

• You have been laid off work without pay
• The last day you worked
• The reason for the lay off
• How long he or she expects you will be laid off

If your days of work are reduced you must also bring a letter from you employer stating the following:

• Your days at work have been reduced on a temporary basis
• The number of days you worked each week
• The number of days you now work each week
• The reduction in your pay