Question about Contribution Based JSA

bigspender1971

Evening all, wonder if you can help. My hubby was made redundant at the turn of the year and has been in receipt of contribution based JSA. I am self-employed and currently work around 20 hours a week. 2 weeks ago, hubby came home with a sheet for me to fill in detailing exactly how many hours per day I was working and how much I was earning.
He is due to sign on again this week and says I have to fill it out again. Is this normal?
When I signed on about 2 years ago for a brief period, I wasn't even asked about my hubbys earnings and still received contribution based JSA.

NASA_2

Sounds like a B7 form - Part time earnings.

Did he definately only claim the Contribution Based JSA. If he claimed Income Related it would be normal to expect you to fill in that form - and he may have claimed both parts but only been entitled to the (C) part.

bigspender1971

Initially he was told he could claim for income based JSA however he was then told he wouldn't be receiving that. He was then told he would receive Contribution based JSA. Can you please tell me what the difference is please as we are clueless as you can tell!
I just wondered why they need to know about my self employed work. thanks for all your help.

NASA_2

bigspender1971 wrote: »

Initially he was told he could claim for income based JSA however he was then told he wouldn't be receiving that. He was then told he would receive Contribution based JSA. Can you please tell me what the difference is please as we are clueless as you can tell!
I just wondered why they need to know about my self employed work. thanks for all your help.

Income Based is means tested and Contribution based isnt.

If he claimed both then it is more than possible he doesnt actually receive the (IR) element as your earnings are above the £94.95 a week (There is a disregard but that might just confuse things) but that he will get the Contributory rate of £60.50.

All the same, if he claimed the (IR) part and isnt entitled to it due to your earnings, you will have to continue to fill in the B7.

Phone the DWP and ask what he claimed - not just what he is actually receiving.

bigspender1971

I earn on average around £500 monthly so probably just over the limit.
Why is this dictated on what you applied for rather than what you actually receive?
What is the disregard rule? Am intrigued!
Thanks so much for your help. I now realise the Jobcentre are not being deliberately awkward!

BuddyBonthenet

OP are you sure your husband has told them you are self employed rather than employed? How are you calculating your earnings as opposed to your turnover?

bigspender1971

I will double check. I began working last August so have no audited accounts and no outlays so basically I am invoicing around £500 per month

NASA_2

bigspender1971 wrote: »

I earn on average around £500 monthly so probably just over the limit.
Why is this dictated on what you applied for rather than what you actually receive?
What is the disregard rule? Am intrigued!
Thanks so much for your help. I now realise the Jobcentre are not being deliberately awkward!

He could have applied for Contributions Only. They would only have asked for his details and none of yours. On the other hand, if you claim both parts, they take into account your details as well and if your income is above the level allowed then he only actually gets paid the Contribution part but has still claimed Income Related at the same time.

I hope that made sense.

The disregard is what you are allowed to earn before it is taken in against JSA. For a couple I think it is £10. You would seem to be earning just too much.

bigspender1971

What are the benefits of my husband claiming for income based if he only receives the contribution based part? Are there any? thank you all so much for your help. Guess I will keep filling in the forms!

NASA_2

bigspender1971 wrote: »

What are the benefits of my husband claiming for income based if he only receives the contribution based part?

None, unless your earnings or hours drop. Sorry.

deb0020

bigspender1971 wrote: »

What are the benefits of my husband claiming for income based if he only receives the contribution based part? Are there any? thank you all so much for your help. Guess I will keep filling in the forms!

It could be an advantage if you have a mortgage as mortgage entitlement is now 13 weeks after initial claim.
Otherwise I cannot see any advantage