Can one stay unemployed with Stamp 4?

[bubun]

Hi,

Does one need to be continuously employed (service/business) while on Stamp 4? Or is it OK to remain unemployed for a short period of time (assuming a job loss/change)?
If allowed, will the person be eligible for unemployment benefits meanwhile?

Thanks,
Bubun

[inv908]

You can be unemployed for a while when you are on Stamp4, no issues. However, when your stamp4 is up for renewal make sure you are back on track since GNIB asks for paylips at the time of renewal.

as for claiming benefits, you have to make an application with the social welfare office. They ask for whole lot of information and check whether you are eligible or not. AFAIK, for non-EU like us, they will consider only if the reason for unemployment is redundancy (compulsory or voluntary), and you have made sufficient PRSI contributions. If you have plans to apply for naturalization, i would recommend apply for benefits only ifthe reason is due to Covid19. If its not then stay away since applying for benefits is not seen favourably for naturalization.

[johnpromiser]

You can be unemployed for a while when you are on Stamp4, no issues. However, when your stamp4 is up for renewal make sure you are back on track since GNIB asks for paylips at the time of renewal.

as for claiming benefits, you have to make an application with the social welfare office. They ask for whole lot of information and check whether you are eligible or not. AFAIK, for non-EU like us, they will consider only if the reason for unemployment is redundancy (compulsory or voluntary), and you have made sufficient PRSI contributions. If you have plans to apply for naturalization, i would recommend apply for benefits only ifthe reason is due to Covid19. If its not then stay away since applying for benefits is not seen favourably for naturalization.

That's totally not true. It depends on types of benefit. If you are on social welfare payment like qualifying payment such as Carer's Allowance, Illness Benefit, Domiciliary allowance etc, it won't affect your citizenship naturalisation application imo.

[bubun]

Thanks, folks!!