Claiming Jobseeker allowance and living with partner

Kimitatsu

fantasy_dreams wrote: »

I really am getting grumpy about this whole partner situation. I am about to run out of contribution based JSA and will not be able to claim the full JSA from January. This just doesn't seem fair. I live with my partner, but we are not married. We don't get any tax discounts when we are both working, we still pay the full NI each, no discounts. So why does the government think THEY get to discount our benefits just because we live together. Does living together make one eat less or does it make things cost less ?

It is really hard to keep going on benefits and we are really struggling, if we get less in January it will be even worse. We are both looking for jobs, but there isn't much happening. Too many people applying for the same couple of jobs, it's becoming like the lottery.

So why does the government think that they can discriminate against an individual who has been paying their NI for years. Until I am married I am an individual and as I do not enjoy the same tax breaks and security as a married couple, I don't see why I have to be getting less than I would, if I would not be living with him. :mad:

This is not a discussion board but a money saving board - if you would like to post this on discussion time then I am sure you will find a diverse range of opinions

Income based JSA is for the poorest in society and is means tested which is why you are deemed to have enough money to live on as a couple, you are already living as if you were married (married couples btw do not currently get any tax breaks, the only security comes if one of them dies intestate, the partner automatically recieves all of the estate up to £325k)

The old style board has some great tips for living more cheaply so perhaps you could try there?