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6 handy services you might not realise you're entitled to

You might be surprised at how much help is at hand.

THIS TIME OF the year can be tough.

It’s a time of change and beginnings for many of us. And for some, that can even mean upheaval or a big change in circumstances. Many of us may not know what our entitlements are for these life shifts, what services are available out there to help us navigate them – or even where to start finding out.

The Citizens Information Service are here to help – no matter if you need a range of services from finding a job, getting a new passport, or just understanding what you are entitled to in terms of grants and incentives.

Here are a few just to get you started…

1. Marriage or relationship break-down

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If you’re experiencing the potential breakdown of a marriage or other relationship, you’ll know how hard it is. Several key issues need to be addressed, such as financial matters, the home and parenting. Trying to sort this can be stress-inducing and difficult – and there may be issues at play such as barring orders and safety concerns. The below are just some of the options available to you:

  • Family Mediation Service
  • Legal advice from the Legal Aid Board
  • Legal advice from FLAC
  • Support services for abusive relationships from Cosc
  • Counselling for children experiencing separation
  • Housing Assistance Payment

Find out more here.

2. Mental health support

If you find yourself feeling like you can’t cope and need to speak to someone about your mental health, there are several places you can turn to. One such example is Aware, whose Support Line is available at 1800 80 48 48. Aware’s other core services are a Support Mail and Support Groups around the country.

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Some other helplines that also offer assistance:

  • Samaritans – 116 123
  • Pieta House – 01 601 0000
  • Teen-Line Ireland – 1800 833 634
  • Childline – 1800 66 66 66 (for under 18s)
  • turn2me.org - online counselling

3. Changing circumstances

New Years resolutions have just been made by lots of us. If you’re thinking of leaving your job to focus your energy on your family or caring for someone, it’s important to assess your situation before you take the plunge – and the Citizens Information Service can help here.

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For example, it’s advisable to keep up your voluntary social insurance contributions if your circumstances change and you are no longer paying PRSI. This will help you to qualify for social insurance payments such as the Contributory State Pension. If you’re thinking of becoming a full-time parent, it’s also worth looking into the Homemaker’s Scheme for the same reason.

4. Becoming a full-time carer

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If you are working and need to take time off to take care of someone sick, then Carer’s Benefit may be available for you. This is for people who leave the workforce in order to care for someone in need of full-time attention.

5. Family income supplement

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If you are in a working family struggling to make ends meet, Family Income Support could help. It is a tax-free weekly payment for those in employment with at least one child living with them or financially supported by them. It can also be paid together with other payments, such as the Back To Work Family Dividend.

6. Debt clearing and arrears issues

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If you’re in need of mortgage arrears support, Abhaile may be the service for you. Abhaile is operated by the Money Advice and Budgeting Service, which has been offering support to those in need of debt advice in Ireland for over 20 years. Anyone worried about their mortgage can contact MABS on 0761 07 2000, Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm.

Need more information? Don’t hesitate to ask for it

  • Drop in – The face-to-face service is free, confidential and independent, and is available in more than 215 locations nationwide.
  • Call – Our Helpline 0761 07 4000 is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm, if you would like to call us for information and advice.
  • Log on – Our website www.citizensinfornation.ie has lots of information across a broad range of topics to help you find out about your rights and entitlements.
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7 Comments
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    Mute Parmenides
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    Sep 18th 2013, 2:07 PM

    Just like oour very own unflappable Dobbo, the consummate professional. It’s only a mistake if you acknowledge it. Dobbo could take an arrow to the knee and still deliver the news in a a professional and concise manner.

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    Mute Larry K
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    Sep 18th 2013, 4:53 PM

    It also shows just how vital an iPad is for a news presenter

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    Mute Clyde Doyle
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    Sep 18th 2013, 10:06 PM

    Ha ha

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    Mute Michael Donnelly
    Favourite Michael Donnelly
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    Sep 18th 2013, 3:31 PM

    That’s a lost bet from a night in a pub. Or I’ll eat my hat!!

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    Mute Paul Radford
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    Sep 18th 2013, 5:26 PM

    You’re right, no other reason for a ream of paper to be anywhere near studio.

    Well spotted Watson, well spotted. Solved

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    Mute Oliver Walker
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    Sep 18th 2013, 4:55 PM

    That….looks absolutely ridiculous

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    Mute Veronica
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    Sep 18th 2013, 4:54 PM

    Fair pay to him, he kept his cool throughout!

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    Mute Seoirse M H
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    Sep 18th 2013, 3:32 PM

    The BBC News service is so blatantly biased and a spring of propaganda. It’s all in the words they choose and nice words are reserved for those who align with Western interests.

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    Mute Leigh Power
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    Sep 18th 2013, 3:50 PM

    As opposed to yourself who’s completely unbiased.

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    Mute Mick Rooney
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    Sep 18th 2013, 4:03 PM

    You’ve obviously never looked at the blatant Fox-led British Sky News for slanted opinion and bias presenting in their daily news. For all the starch and stuff upper lip of the BBC, you at least get basic news reported less the editorial and reality-show hyperbole of SKY.

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    Mute Seoirse M H
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    Sep 18th 2013, 4:17 PM

    Re Mick.

    Hi Mick. Wouldn’t look at SkyNews for news unless I needed some encouragement. The BBC nature programs et al are good but the news service is unbelievably produced according to an agenda. Just look at any articles from the BBC on Pinochet. Absolutely shocking the way they choose words in their description of him and slant on him.

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    Mute Paul Radford
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    Sep 18th 2013, 5:28 PM

    So what do you think of Tv3. Interesting to hear your reply.

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    Mute Mick Rooney
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    Sep 18th 2013, 5:38 PM

    BBC docu stuff is generally, outstanding, though I take your point on the Pinochet stuff.

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    Mute Mick Rooney
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    Sep 18th 2013, 5:43 PM

    Eh, TV3!? Do they call what they do in soundbites news? I used to watch Vincenzo, but, frankly, I couldn’t care less what Georgia, Amy or Glenda do next as an excuse for news! TV3 news reminds me of John Craven’s newsrooms for kids, or the mentally challenged!

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    Mute Wham Wham
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    Sep 18th 2013, 2:32 PM

    I’ve done that afew times in school! You’d be mortified but with all those kids staring at you it’s bound to happen!

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    Mute Trevor Beacom
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    Sep 18th 2013, 6:25 PM

    A decent newsreader mccoy who was pushed out of sky for clashing with the maggie Thatcher of media

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    Mute Cathal Egan
    Favourite Cathal Egan
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    Sep 18th 2013, 8:44 PM

    Maybe he got scammed by the people who show you what you’re buying then give you the case filled with paper and leave before you notice. He just hasn’t noticed yet.

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