Can I claim JSA in the gap until a new job starts?

lukealexander

I have just graduated from university and already have a job ready to begin on October 2nd. I don't really want to be working full-time until then, but I would be content with a part-time role. Of course, getting a job for just 3 months (or realistically 2.5) seems difficult in the present climate.

Is it possible for me to claim JSA until I actually begin the new role, as I am technically unemployed (I stopped being a student on June 29th).

Thanks

dmg24

You would need to be seeking full time work in order to qualify for JSA.

Bobl

Unless you have paid NI in the past, I believe you will not get JSA, but perhaps you should raise this in the Benefits Forum, I suspect there will be people there who understand better.

As an aside, Benefits are not there for people who don't want to work, they are there to help those who can't get work. My advice is to go and seek employment, and if that is difficult then you could apply for benefits.

dmg24

Bobl wrote: »

Unless you have paid NI in the past, I believe you will not get JSA, but perhaps you should raise this in the Benefits Forum, I suspect there will be people there who understand better.

As an aside, Benefits are not there for people who don't want to work, they are there to help those who can't get work. My advice is to go and seek employment, and if that is difficult then you could apply for benefits.

Assuming the OP does not have a partner and does not have capital above the prescribed limits, they will qualify for income based JSA.