Can I claim Jobseekers if looking for part time work only?

tiptoes27

Hi
I have just been made redundant from my (part time) job. I had been there for three years. I am 50 years old and have worked part-time in different jobs for 23 years. I have never been umemployed before so not sure about the procedure. I have phone jobcentre plus and they have made me an appointment for a new claim this Saturday. It will be for contribution based allowence as my husband works full time. No other benefits will be claimed My question is am I entitled to job seekers allowence if I have only worked part-time and will only be looking for a part time job? I am worried they will say I have to be looking for a full time job to get this benefit. Also, if I am granted job seekers allowence am I entitled to any other benefits such as free prescriptions etc.... Many thanks

ALIBOBSY

The contributions part will be satisfied if you have paid enough NI in the qualifying years, as it is not means tested it doesn't give you automatic right to other benefits such as free prescriptions.
To claim JSA they may initially allow you to look for work at a simular level to what you were on, ie part time. But they may ask you to be flexible about your hours and unless you have a specific reason why you want part time work ie carer, have a disability etc they will likely want you to consider full time work as well when doing a job search.
Mind you given the high numbers of claims being recieved you may find any interviews you have are very short and you may not get the pressure to "go full time" that you may have got a few years ago.

Good luck with the job search

ali x

McKneff

the 'any other benefit' you ask about are normally means tested and household income is one of the criteria. And so no, you wont be eligible for free prescription if you husband works full time.