Benefits idiot guide please

missymugwump

Hi all

Just a few questions
We have never been in receipt of benefits so have lots of what may seem like silly questions to some of you
However these are genuine


1)My husband has been made redundant he will apply for JSA I work 14 hours a week and am told he will get extra JSA for me ? is this right ?

2) I have been told if I work more than 16 hours we would get WFTC instead and have more benefit ? is this right ? is it worth me asking my employer for an extra 2 hours a week ?

3) My husband has no bank account he uses mine (it is NOT joint) I have been told that when he apply's for JSA they want to see 3 months of bank statements ? is this true ? is this the norm ?

4)If so can they ask to see my bank account statements as he has no account ?

5) What happens if I say no

That's all for now
Anyone know ?

Thanks

missymugwump

Thought of some more

If hubby has to go every two weeks to sign on do I have to go as well ?


What if you are ill or can't get to office to sign on ?

Gemmzie

I'm a bit rusty on JSA but I think whether your OH would get a top-up for you depends on your income.

You would probably be better off working 16 hours if it is possible.

Not sure about the bank account, sorry.

You must sign on every two weeks unless you have a sick note from the doctor.

alwaysonthego_2

If it is a joint claim for JSA the main claimant of a couple signs on.

If your husband has paid enough NI conts in the past 2 tax years he could claim Contribution based JSA, for 6 mths, which is not dependant on any savings or your income. You should try and get an extra couple of hours and you can also claim WTC.

You may gey help with ctb or LHA depending on income.

missymugwump

Thank you

My husband has paid plenty of tax in the last few years
He was lucky enough to be a 40% tax bracket (if you call it lucky to be taxed 40% for being succesful & working your buns off to better yourself )

How do they decide if you get contribution based ?
Is contribution based the default one ?

Gemmzie

You get the contributions-based JSA if you've paid National Insurance for the previous two tax years.

It's the first one they check yes, then if your income is below a certain level you can get income-based JSA.

missymugwump

Can anyone answer the other questions please ?
We have our JSA interview tomorrow and I need to get things straight in my mind as it's worrying me sick tonight

seven-day-weekend

I think as regards the Bank Accounts, as it is a joint claim they will want to see all Bank accounts of you both. However, Contributions-based JSA is not means-tested, so it shouldn't make any difference.

Please be aware that JSA Contributions-based only lasts forsix months. After that if he is still signing on he will be assessed for Income-based,which IS means-tested.

If he is ill or otherwise unavoidably delayed when signing on, just ring and tell them; they will want him to sign at the first available opportunity afterwards.

missymugwump

Is it a legal requirement that I comply & let them see my account ?
What happens if I say no ?

Im not hiding money but don't want someone looking through my private affairs
:mad:

Do they want to keep copies ?
Is this not a breach of data protection ?

max2009

Do not be worried and stressed about the JSA interview and try relax.They are there to help you.They may ask to see your account as of the redundancy payment and to see how much savings you have.

missymugwump

Can someone please point me to the ruling/regulation in a document that makes this law rather than policy ?

I refuse to allow another agency to see my bank statements
Point blank
I would go as far as needed court if necessary
I am happy to provide a summary page showing total in and total out for month but it will be a cold day in hell before I show them anything else

I suspect this is another myth that people comply with out of fear but is not law