Posted by cj
on June 3, 2009, 4:48 pm, in reply to "Re: Something I dont think youve ever discussed...."
88.151.27.232
In most situations, two years of residency in
: Ireland are required before you qualify for
: things like social welfare.
^^Just want to point out that this is the "official policy" and LIKE MOST THINGS ABOUT IRELAND, the reality is often very different.
As the spouse of an Irish person, the rules don't always apply. The residency requirements are there to discourage groups like asylum seekers from coming in to get child benefit and free healthcare. I am not going to debate whether I think that is fair or not, just sharing my view of what has happened.
My spouse is Irish. I am American. I was paid child benefit, in full, from the day we landed. Our children have used A&E services (hospital ER), including a two day hospital admission. We had to pay the same fee as Irish citizens, which was €60 at that time. We did not have any private insurance.
So, basically my advice is know your rights, but don't be surprised if the rules get bent for you, esp if you are an American.
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