JSA Contributions claim now I have a baby

melg1973

Anyone an expert on JSA Contributions? I claimed it from October 2007 - Jan 2008 after being made redundant whilst pregnant then went onto Maternity Allowance. The MA runs out in 4 weeks so am hoping I can claim JSA again until I find a job (or until my contributions are 'exhausted', whichever is first). When I was on it before I had to be available for full time work and be prepared to travel for up to an hour. Was just wondering now I have a baby whether you are allowed to look just for part time work and whether the hours travelling would include getting baby to childcare?

melg1973

bumpety bump X

justthisonce_2

Do you have a working partner?
Are you claiming your tax credits etc?

ukdickie31

If you have caring responsibilities, you will be asked if you are 'available for work.'

As soon as you say you are, you then have to be available for work for a minimum of 16 hours per week and the work that you are looking for has to be realistic in the local labour market.

The Jobcentre will expect you to provide evidence of your jobsearch activity and evidence that you are applying for jobs.

You really have to ask yourself if the hours you are prepared to work fit those in which vacancies are available for. If they are, and you are capable of doing the work, you will be expected to apply for the work.

If the work isn't available, are you prepared to change your job goals and hours available to match the work that is available ?

These are the sort of questions an adviser (or decision maker) will ask.