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Step 2.6

Maximising Your Income

Could You Have More Money Coming In?

People sometimes get themselves into debt because they are not receiving all the money they are entitled to. See below for information and suggestions on areas that might increase your income:

• Tax: Your local tax office will advise you about the credits you are entitled to given your circumstances www.revenue.ie
• Social Welfare: Your local Citizens Information Centre (CIC) can help you check that you are claiming all your entitlements whether you a re working or not. You can also get information from the following websites: www.citizensinformation.ie or from the Departments own website www.welfare.ie
• Health board payments: these payments are administered by Community Welfare Officers generally based in your local Health Centre or Clinic. Some of these payments need you to meet certain conditions- again your local CIC can tell you what these are.
• Insurance: Check to see whether any of your loan repayments (your mortgage for example) are covered by protection insurance.
• Employment: there are various legal provisions on wages, dismissal, equality and redundancy that may mean you are owed money by your employer or previous employer. For information call CIC Helpline 1890 777 121 or visit www.entemp.ie
• Back to work Schemes: You can get information on the various schemes through your local CIC or call their helpline at 1890 777 121 or visit the Department of Social and Family Affairs website www.welfare.ie
• Welfare funds: Certain large employers may have schemes in place to assist employees (or past employees) who are experiencing financial difficulty. There may also be local community or voluntary groups who may be able to assist.
• Take on a second job: Perhaps you could take up a second or evening job in the short term to assist you in putting your financial affairs in order.
• Rent a room in your house: You can earn tax free income by letting a room in your home - see www.revenue.ie

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