6 months JSA - what next?

tgon

I've been out of work for 6 months and so far have made (and recorded) 153 job applications but not been successful yet. Its now coming up to 6 months on JSA and I wondered if this is some sort of turning point where something happens with my ongoing claim? Experiences and advice welcome.

alwaysonthego_2

It depends what type of JSA you are claiming, Income based or Contribution based.

Sues48

It depends on how old you are. You should be getting a letter for a 6 mth review interview with an adviser at the Jobcentre who will talk you through the options.

tgon

I am contribution based.

mightymole

the only thing that is different is a 6 months review

suelees1

You'd then get JSA income based paid at the same rate. However this depends if you've got a partner who is working, whether you have any other income or what capital you might have if any.

tgon

Thanks so far - much appreciated.

My partner isn't working following a major high street store closure but she is not claiming JSA. Our total cash position is less than £5,000 savings (excluding insurance policies that I could possibly surrender) and there is no other income apart from my JSA. Like me, my partner is looking for work but I fear that if my JSA becomes income based, any job my partner might take over my JSA rate will nullify my claim. We are both in our mid-fifties and my partner can only work part-time so any job she might take will just be marginal over the JSA rate. I would prefer if she waited until I secured full time employment first but unsure if this rationale is correct.

Sorry it this is confusing - it confuses me too. But I am often lost without the good advice of this site.

Oldernotwiser

tgon wrote: »

Thanks so far - much appreciated.

My partner isn't working following a major high street store closure but she is not claiming JSA. Our total cash position is less than £5,000 savings (excluding insurance policies that I could possibly surrender) and there is no other income apart from my JSA. Like me, my partner is looking for work but I fear that if my JSA becomes income based, any job my partner might take over my JSA rate will nullify my claim. We are both in our mid-fifties and my partner can only work part-time so any job she might take will just be marginal over the JSA rate. I would prefer if she waited until I secured full time employment first but unsure if this rationale is correct.

Sorry it this is confusing - it confuses me too. But I am often lost without the good advice of this site.

Do you claim anything for housing?

tgon

No, just Council Tax benefit because of the unemployment. We live in our own (mortgaged) home.

suelees1

Are you claiming for the two of you and receiving £94.95 pw? If so your JSA is already contribution and income based. If it was just cont based it would be paid at 60.50.

If your wife has sufficient contributions she can claim her own JSA but would have to sign on and meet the conditions as you have.

Your entitlement to housing costs should probably have kicked in after 13 weeks wait. Have you looked into this?

tgon

Thanks for the comments. My JSA claim is for myself only. I didn't think home owners could claim housing costs so I've not considered this.