For postgrad students looking to get jobseekers allowance

grastgirl

Just a word of warning to any postgraduates out there, if you haven't paid national insurance contributions (via a job) for at least 3 months in the last 2 years you might not get any jobseekers allowance when you finish. I did my three (and a bit) years full time and then spent most of the next 9 months writing up, so I didn't get a job or sign on (because you're not allowed), even though I was obviously looking for a job. When I finally went to sign on, I couldn't have any money at all because my partner had too much in his (not our) savings and I hadn't got the three months in the last two years contributions. If I hadn't been living with him I think I might have got income support.

Voyager2002

Yes. Strictly speaking, had you not been living with him you would have received income-based JSA (which is means-tested). If it is any consolation, the amount you have missed out on is tiny: I used to get contribution-based JSA but it was only 59 pounds a week, and only lasted for six months.