What deductions from my welfare payments will I have if I return to work?

[catcarraccoo]

Hi... Trying to figure out the best way forward for myself financially; I am a single mother of a 9 year old.
I have been claiming One Family Parent Allowance since Aug 2006 (also claimed from 1999-2003; lived abroad 2003-2006)
My only contributions to PAYE etc were brief in 1998 so although I do not know the revelance to this for myself it may be useful to be put forward to help in any responses.
I would like to return to work but I do not know if I can do so from a financial standpoint. I am currently in reciept of OFP allow., Rent supp., and a Medical card for both me and my son.
I fear that by returning to work I will be worse off financially. I have been trying to look into it and I think that I am allowed to earn up to e146.5 pw and retain full OFP. Or if I earn e146.5-e425 pw I will also be able to retain reduced OFP, but do not know how much/little. Again if earning 425+ I will also be able to retain half of my OFP for 6 months.
There is an additional e24 per child added but I do not know how this applies??? I think this is that I am allowed to earn for example 146.5+24 before any deductions?
In doing any of these I will be alowed the difference of my gross wage from FIS of e490 pw?
Is there a condition of my work not exceeding 19hours pw?
Do I lose my Rent allowance (I am forced to share my rented accommodation with my brother as it is to make the monthly payment, this including my R.A.) or does it affect it, and by how much, or how is this decided/means tested?
And our medical cards? How much is one allowed to earn before this is affected/taken away?
I have returned to college part-time; there are apparently no grants available however last year I was granted half fees as I was on OFP. This year they do not accept any reductions - Is there any help available to me towards this cost?
I know I have mentioned alot and I am clearly confused. However I would appreciate any, and all, responses as I am really struggling financially at the moment and coming up to Christmas and all I'm kind of freaking out for Santa-time!
Thanking you... C

 

[SarahMc]

You really should go to your local Citizens Information Centre to talk through all the scanarios, as the means testing can be quite complicated.

Bottom line though is that imo there are generous supports out there to assist lone parents back into the workforce and out of the poverty trap. I
Have you looked at the Back tio Work Allowance?

 

[gipimann]

This link to the Social Welfare leaflet on One Parent Family Payment link explains how the means are assessed.
This link shows how the OPFP is reduced when the amount of means are known.

The amounts in the right column on the means refer to the personal rate of payment you will be entitled to. You should then add €24 to it as the child dependant rate.

You must work at least 19 hours per week in order to qualify for FIS.

If you have been in receipt of OPFP for at leat 12 months, you may retain your medical card for 3 years from date of commencing full-time employment. If the employment is part-time, you retain the card for 3 years from the date your income exceeds the medical card guidelines.

Rent Supplement will be affected by income from employment as all income is means-tested for SWA. There are some disregards, but these can be complex - best to talk to your Community Welfare Officer who can explain the changes which may take place for your circumstances.

 

[catcarraccoo]

Thank you both, SarahMc & gipimann for your responses. Indeed it is very complicated and I think it is a good idea for me to speak with one or both the citizens advice and my cwo.
I'm not the best mathematician in the world so I will need someone to walk me through the nitty-gritties.
Regards