JSA back to work benefits??

suewiththeblues

Hi have just moved onto IB JSA from CB JSA ( think thats the right way round) as have been unemployed just over 6 months now. i had my 6 month review yesterday (which was awful) and the advisor mentioned that i MAY be able to get a 4 week run on of housing benefits, tax credits and some sort of payment which i oculd put towards travelcards for work or clothes and it was up to me wha ti spent it on. she was very vague about it and i have searched this forum but still am not clear on what the back to work benefits are at the 6 month stage? anyone have any experience of this?

cifpower

If you have been in receipt of JSA (IB) for at least 26 weeks you can get a 4 week run on of LHA at your current rate regardless of what you may earn.

oldmotherreilly

The run-on also covers your council tax benefit for the first four weeks as well. You cannot have any breaks in the 26 weeks though-it has to be a continuous claim. Sounds like the advisor may have been talking to you about the Job Grant, which is a one off payment of either £100 if you are single and no dependants or £250 if you have children. Again this is payable if you have had a continuous claim for 26 weeks. Also the job that you are taking must be expected to last 5 weeks or more.
Hope that answers your questions for you!

suewiththeblues

thanks guys

i am a lone parent but my son is now 18 so would i qualify for the £100 or the £250 grant? every little helps

alwaysonthego_2

suewiththeblues wrote: »

thanks guys

i am a lone parent but my son is now 18 so would i qualify for the £100 or the £250 grant? every little helps

Is your son in full time education?

suewiththeblues

at the moment yes, but is on the verge of losing his place due to non attendance (but dont get me started on that!)

alwaysonthego_2

suewiththeblues wrote: »

at the moment yes, but is on the verge of losing his place due to non attendance (but dont get me started on that!)

ok because once he leaves college you will not be entitled to CB or CTC for him and he won't be classed as a dependant anymore.

suewiththeblues

i know - we are in a horrid place right now where i am waiting on confirmation of a job offer and he is trying to drop out of college and i have had to tell him he cannot leave until i am working or my benefits will be screwed