Temp Withdrawel/Gap year from Uni: Entitled to JSA??

NokSuCow

Hi Guys

Just to let you know, im not new here. I've made a new account up as I use my other nickname for everything and I dont want my friends to know my business.

Anyway, I was just wondering if there was any advice you could give me or if anyone was in my position.

Im currently taking a year out/temp withdrawel from Uni to sort out personal problems like money issues and health issues. I finished my second year in june and decided that I need to work for a year, build up some money so I havent got any distractions in my final year, hence the year out.

As I still hadn't found any work I decided to ring up JSA and asked if year out student could claim JSA and they said yes. So I got and booked the appointment, attended the 2 hour session(luckily I didnt get a parking ticket as it was only 30mins parking). Completed the paperwork and sent them some proof that I have actually temp withdrew form Uni. 7 days later I signed on again (another trip in) and was told I need to send in extra proof as the forwarded email from my course director wasn't enough. So,next day I went in again and they faxed a letter stating the same thing.

Now, today I get a letter saying I wasn't entitled to it as it stated 'you are in full-time education'

I rang them up and they said I am still classed as a full time student even though ive took a temp withdrawel from uni and am currently seeking full-time work. They said I can send a letter in asking for a reconsideration which I will do tomorrow.

Has anyone got any advice or been in this situation??

Any help will be gratefull.

NokSuCow

lindsayg_2

Go the the Citizens Advice Bureau. Take notes of dates, copies of emails etc with you.

The rules the DSS work by are ridiculous and arcane. You are best off speaking to someone which is a specific expert, and who can ring them on your behalf to discuss your situation.

NokSuCow

Thanks for your input Lindsayg, Ill do that if nothing comes of the letter ill be sending in

Voyager2002

Yes, get advice on the rules. Although it sounds to me as if they have made a mistake, since you are NOT in full-time education at the moment.

Oldernotwiser

As you've been advised on the Benefits Board (by people who work in the system) that you are still classed as a student because you haven't finished or left your course. You've even been quoted the specific rules that apply.

By all means appeal but, personally, I'd put my energies into getting a job.

MarzipanFish

I went through the same and was also unable to get JSA

The first person you spoke to on the phone may have assumed you meant a gap year between A levels & uni, or between an undergrad & a masters degree which you would have been able to get JSA during.

Are you on a leave of absence? If so you probably won't have to pay council tax.

Comstock

So if you can't find a job, you basically have to withdraw from you course?

NokSuCow

MarzipanFish wrote: »

I went through the same and was also unable to get JSA

The first person you spoke to on the phone may have assumed you meant a gap year between A levels & uni, or between an undergrad & a masters degree which you would have been able to get JSA during.

Are you on a leave of absence? If so you probably won't have to pay council tax.

Hi Marzipan, Im not on leave of absence as im currently not enrolled as a student at the univeristy. Im also leaving with parent

NokSuCow

Comstock wrote: »

So if you can't find a job, you basically have to withdraw from you course?

Hello Comstock, reason ive withdrew for the year is so that i can pay off some debts before completing my final year as I dont want them hanging over my head and worrying about money during that year. I think I will have a better chance of getting a first if I do it like this then.

Comstock

My circumstances are the same to the letter (other than that I have 2 years to go- 4 year course)