Voluntry/Unpaid work Questions...

legacy2k

ok here is my situation..

i currently do half a day at a pc shop (for nothing) and the other half at a mail company (paid) im also ding home study wih home learning college now... i want to work full time in the shop (unpaid) to get my experience and CV off to a good start plus doin both is literally tiring me out so much and i dont get time to do my course as its about 10/11 hours a day and all the running around job to job is a nightmare...

so....

im wondering does anyone know what benefits i could claim for doing unpaid/vuluntry work to better myself in the subject im studying for? afterall its all being done to better myself not be lazy and sit around all day reaping benefits..

i know of houseing benefits and income support but i live with my parents but i do pay rent to them so im not sure if i can actually go anywhere with that side of things?

basically...

working without pay in the sort of job i want to do in the future to (gaining experience)

liveing at home with parents but do pay them rent (50 quid a week)

22 yrs old

i think thats all the vitals??

im really confused as to what my options are... im only aware of houseing and income benefits which im not sure i can even get??? are there other things i can apply for?? can anyone help?

cheers

dmg24

You cannot claim LHA when you live with your parents.

Unless you are disabled, you cannot claim IS.

You may claim JSA if you are out of work, but you would need to be actively seeking and available for paid work. Therefore you could not do full time voluntary work (although you may be able to arrange a work trial through the JCP).

legacy2k

ah i see... so basically i cant claim anything?

dmg24

No, not unless you are a lone parent or disabled.

legacy2k

so how do i go about getting into this job and bettering myself?

or cant i to put it simply?

dmg24

Are there any PC support call centres where you live? That would be a good way to get paid experience.

lilac_lady

You could sign on for JSA and ask to go on a computer course. You can't work full time - either paid or not - and be available for work. That's the main condition for receiving JSA benefit.