Housing benefits without claiming JSA??

vaspar · 18 December 2009 at 1:14AM

Hi,

Is it possible to claim Housing Benefits without being on JSA (Jobseekers Allowance)?

I am currently unemployed and in receipt of Jobseekers Allowance, and Housing Benefits. However, I have to sign off JSA to fulfil my academic ambitions.
I will struggle without my JSA, but I will manage. I could not manage without help towards my rent through housing benefits.

This is my situation: I am currently attending an access to Higher Education course (1 day a week, part-time, which I’m entitled to do). I am performing within the top 5% of my class and I hope to be in full time education, at University, next September. I need a 70% pass rate to be guaranteed a position on my chosen degree – I’m currently averaging 77%, so I’m well on my way!

Here’s the problem: My jobcentre want to pull me out of my one day a week University course to put me on a 6 month work placement for experience. This will no doubt be a backwards step for me and my development. They will not budge and say that I’ve signed forms stating that I’d leave my course if and when I was asked to. I am less than a year away from starting my Law degree (which has always been my dream) and I am not willing to let them ruin my one true chance to change my life.

Going on a work placement, as an electrician (which I have no interest in doing, or will ever do) will ultimately keep me on benefits longer than if they would support me through until September when I will be off benefits forever!

I feel my only choice now is to sign off JSA... but I could not survive without housing benefits. I have 8 months left on a 12 month fixed-term contract with my landlord, and without housing benefits I would be homeless. As I have said, although living without JSA will be a struggle, I will manage.

Any advice anyone could give me on claiming Housing Benefits without ‘signing on the dole’ would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

Mark

Ross2452 · 18 December 2009 at 2:54AM

Hi there,

Its my understanding that you do not need to be signed on to recive HB, you just need to be able to proove you are on a low income.

Who is eligible

You may get Housing Benefit if you pay rent and your income and capital (savings and investments) are below a certain level. You could qualify if you are out of work, or in work and earning a wage.
**search google for

source: Direct Gov Website.

Ross.

cifpower · 18 December 2009 at 2:57AM

HB/LHA is not benefit dependant. You can claim even if you have a low income.

Fishcake_Random · 18 December 2009 at 3:23AM

I recieve HB and I don't claim JSA or IBJSA as I don't qualify for them. I don't infact have any income.
x

vaspar · 18 December 2009 at 3:51AM

Ok, wow. Thank you Ross, cifpower and Fishcake.

I was told by my advisor at the Jobcentre that if I failed to attend this work placement my JSA 'and' Housing Benefits claims would be terminated. I suppose that could be scare tactics on her behalf?

Receiving Housing Benefits without JSA would be the answer to all my problems. Would any of you know if I would still qualify for the full housing benefit I receive at the moment? or just a portion of it?

@ Fishcake_Random, do you have to prove to housing benefits that you have no income? And if so, how do you do that?

I should probably mention that I have not had a bank account since I was in junior school so I couldn't provide a bank statement.

Thanks again for your help,

Mark

cifpower · 18 December 2009 at 4:09AM

If your JSA stops, they may inform HB and that could trigger a suspension until you update your income details.

Fishcake_Random · 18 December 2009 at 4:12AM

I lost my job in october when my boss found out I was 4 months pregnant, I submitted my final payslip and p45 to them and said I was attempting to apply for JSA and then I just had to show them my letters from the job centre telling me my claim is unsucessfull.
You should get a letter come through the post that you have ended your job centre claim, if you take this to the benifits office they will add it to your file and should prove you have no income thus qualifying you for housing benifit.
x x x x

vaspar · 18 December 2009 at 4:27AM

Well I have a nice break from the jobcentre now until January 5th, so I'll close my claim down then and take the resulting letter to the housing benefits with me. I'll be back with an update just in case someone comes along with a similar problem in future.

Thanks for your help kind people. It looks as though I'll be going to Uni after all :-)

Mark

Sharon87 · 18 December 2009 at 6:39AM

You may have to file a new claim for HB if the job centre registered you for HB. I may be wrong, but it could happen.

CHARDONNAY_3 · 18 December 2009 at 12:13PM

I know an access course is probably essential to studying for a degree at a standard uni, but have you looked into studying for a degree with the open uni?

You would not need to complete the access course as this is not needed for entry & as it is part time you would still be able to claim JSA (& subsequently work, poss in a relevant field to gain experience) while studying in your own time.

Also, based on your circumstances, you should be eligible for full fee remission, therefore saving yourself from a life of student debt!

I realise that studying part time would most likely take 6 years as oppose to 3 years full time, but it seems that if you are as determined to pursue this as you say you are (i.e - you would end your claim for JSA) then taking a little longer to achieve your dream will be worth it.

shjo558 · 18 December 2009 at 12:53PM

Your HB claim won't actually end, the council will just treat this as a change in circumstances.

However, you will need to tell them how you will pay for food and electric etc with no income.

To start the process you will need to contact the council, tell them that your JSA has ended and complete a change of circumstances form.

HTH.

Housing benefits without claiming JSA??

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