Job Seekers Allowance Problem

kenzie72

Hi,

I recently became unemployed and applied for JSA. I was originally told that someone would visit my home due to living arrangements. I live with my girlfriend who owns the house. After signing on 3 times, 4th time would have been today. I got a phone call to say that nobody would be visiting my house and that i don't qualify for JSA because my girlfriend has a full time job. So after 9 weeks from the initial application and signing on 3 times i've been told i won't receive anything.

Does anyone know what the situation is here? I've had a look on the job centre website but can't seem to find much information on it and the lad on the phone was useless.

Thanks

dmg24

Have you been employed regularly over the past few years? It sounds like you do not qualify for contributions based JSA due to not having paid sufficient NI Conts.

Does your gf work full time?

Stacey85

Hi, I've had the same problem recently.

I graduated this time last year and worked full time up until April 09. After a month of unemployment I decided to apply for JSA to help pay towards bills etc. I was informed that I could not receive any benefits as I did not make any NI contributions during the tax years 06/07 and 07/08. Income based JSA was not an option because I live with my boyfriend who works full time. Luckily he earns enough to pay the bills, but we have very little left over. However, I was able to receive JSA when I lived at home with my dad and stepmother in the summer of 08. When I had no bills to pay and they both work full time with nice big salaries!

When I asked the woman for some jobseeking advice I was told "you're young, you've got a degree, you'll be fine". It's now a month later and I'm still unemployed and struggling.

kenzie72

Thanks for the replies. Yeah Stacey i'm in the same boat as you. Cheers

Stacey85

If you've just recently become unemployed you should hopefully be able to get Contributions based JSA. I was told to call the National Insurance Contributions Line to find if my contributions were suitable (0845 714 3143). I would suggest giving that a go, or alternatively speak to citizens advice.

kenzie72

I was a student before so wasn't making any NI contributions. I was then employed but only for 8 hours per week.

Just pee'd off because i am now unemployed and they took 9 weeks to tell me that i can't receive any JSA.