voluntary work while claiming JSA

jessbob

Having been made redundant at the end of February, and finding it impossible to find employment in the legal field at the moment, I was considering doing unpaid voluntary work for the CAB until such time as I can find employment.

I have checked the DWP website, but not been able to ascertain what effect voluntary working would have on my JSA.

Has anyone any clue, please?

Many thanks

charlie..._7

at one time (before the employment crisis ect, we are all in) you were only allowed to do a certain amount of hours voluntary work per week, however there is now no limit on voluntary work (as long as one is also looking for employment), i know as i also volunteer and only 3 weeks ago i asked if it were possible to do more voluntary work (to gain new skills ect) as there isnt much in the way of jobs and they told me there are now no restrictions.

charlie..._7

and jsa ect isnt affected

jessbob

Thanks for your posts !

Can't bear being at home much longer !!!!

HelenYorkshire

You have to declare it - and I think there may be some restriction on WHO you volunteer for - I declared work for a registered charity which was "...absolutely fine" - which implies to me that other organisations may not be!

jessbob

Thanks Helen

Will see whether citizens advice actually want me first, and then I can discuss with jobcentre plus

Many thanks

ceridwen

HelenYorkshire wrote: »

You have to declare it - and I think there may be some restriction on WHO you volunteer for - I declared work for a registered charity which was "...absolutely fine" - which implies to me that other organisations may not be!

...I expect the translation of that is that they will start getting awkward if one does voluntary work for any organisation/group that is actually about changing society. If the voluntary work is for something whereby the status quo is maintained....then no problem.....:cool:

I'm guessing that the rules re voluntary work have been changed in order to "keep people off the streets"...now that rather more people are unemployed....including many perfectly "employable" (and therefore likely to be rather angry......) people......

Errata

...I expect the translation of that is that they will start getting awkward if one does voluntary work for any organisation/group that is actually about changing society. If the voluntary work is for something whereby the status quo is maintained....then no problem.....:cool:

I don't think that's the case. Age Concern+Help the Aged, and MIND to name but two are campaigning charities whose goal is to change society, amongst other things.

jessbob

I guess I will just have to give them a call and ask them.

ecosse306

It may be worth having a chat with your adviser at the job centre. They have a new '6 month offer' being released shortly which will provide financial incentives for employment or voluntary work, which may help you or the charity etc you will be doing voluntary work for.

I'm not sure how long you have been unemployed, as its aimed at people who have been claiming JSA for 6 months, but its worth asking anyway.

EDIT - sorry just read your original post properly! You may not be eligible if you have only been claiming since February.

HelenYorkshire

ecosse306 wrote: »

It may be worth having a chat with your adviser at the job centre. They have a new '6 month offer' being released shortly which will provide financial incentives for employment or voluntary work, which may help you or the charity etc you will be doing voluntary work for.

I'm not sure how long you have been unemployed, as its aimed at people who have been claiming JSA for 6 months, but its worth asking anyway.

EDIT - sorry just read your original post properly! You may not be eligible if you have only been claiming since February.

Oooo I hadn't heard about that but will keep fingers crossed, thank you

Jessbob - I reckon CAB would be fine. I guess what they don't want is someone "volunteering" for their Uncle Bob's Loft Converters and being repaid in kind... :eek::eek::eek::rotfl:
Anyone with an ounce of sense would see volunteering as a positive contribution - so good luck and enjoy