I guess its like this.
My parents, who were sole traders, have retired. I have been working full time for them for 13 years or so, but as it turns out ,am only on the books for the last 11. So thats 11 years as a full time worker 40h per week paying prsi ect.
I have redundancy coming, no problems there thank god, as i have a mort. to pay.
now ,i have friends who work for 2 or 3 years or so,and then take 6 months off , living on benifit,or stamp{what ever you like to call them} before returning to work in the likes of dell or apple.
I on the other hand have paid my dues for 11 years officially. Never once drawn the dole or anything else.{maybe 1 filling from the dentist}
surly i am entitled to some benifit, while i wait for this new venture which i have a share in to take off. The new venture wont be eqitable, or pay a divvi for 12 months and i have letters from banks, accountants stating this.
i just want to arm myself with information, rather than have some one in the soical welfare office, look at me funnily before shouting "next"
anyway guys, thank you for responding, and thanks for the links ect.