JSA and HB

apppa

Hi,

I am going abroad for three weeks so I am going to tell the jobcentre to stop my JSA, I know I have to tell the council that I will be away for awhile also.

I am wondering if they will stop my housing benefit since my JSA will stop?

Thanks

KimYeovil

You can usually receive it for up to 13 weeks (as long as you're not on a working holiday.)

shjo558

You will need to tell the Council though - make sure you tell them before you go on holiday - if not the DWP will tell them and your claim will be suspended.

You don't want to come back from holiday to a whole load of rent arrears letters.

shelley_uk

It may be better for you if you do not tell anyone to stop your benefits but inform them in writing that you will be away for 3 weeks (and keep copies) Reason being is that telling them to stop your benefits is exactly what they will do....without looking at all the facts to see if you are still entitled to the benefits

If you inform them in writing what you are doing it will be up to them to check your entitlement in the situation and applying the relevant procedure

lucia15

As you've said, your JSA will definitely stop for the period you are away. As for HB, you need to contact your HB office and do the following:

1. Tell them the dates you are going to be away for.
2. Inform them of any other income you receive apart from the JSA (Child Benefit, Tax Credits, etc) and provide proof of that income. If JSA is your only source of income, ask them to pay your claim based on 'nil income' for the period you are away.
3. Also provide the last 2 months statements for all bank, building society & Post Office accounts you hold.

If you do the above before you go, it should be relatively straightforward. If not, your HB will be suspended while you're away, leaving you in arrears, and you'll have to sort it all out when you get back. Don't think about not telling your LA. Even if you don't tell them, the DWP will.

Hope this helps
Lucy
HB supervisor