Benefits stopped at Christmas if not there to sign?

ellie101

Hello,

How does it work, do you get benefits stopped if you're away for a certain period? Or if you're looking for work while away can you show this as proof?

I live up north, but probably travelling to London from the 19th December to see family/friends, then going to Birmingham with a friend until the 29th, then back up north.

In that time, I'll have at least one signing date, on the 28th, and I've a review this week so it may be that benefit office will put me onto weekly signing.

I am looking for work, but in London, so while I'm down there I can easily go for interviews (I have an interview there this week, then seeing an agency to register on Tuesday as well, then back up north before going again). The nature of work I do means I get agencies to look for jobs, and I apply online to agencies, who then get me interviews, often within a day or two. So it's feasible I might get interviews next week (however, may slow-down due to Christmas).

All my job-searching is online, I look most days, and I have emails sent to me for suitable jobs (which I can print-off) and I have had 6 interviews which the benefit people know about, but no job as yet.

I'm not trying to pull a fast one, as I will still be searching, receiving emails, and if an interview comes up I'll go, but not sure if this will be taken into account.

Anyone been in a similar situation? If the searching isn't taken into account do I have to sign-off then on again?

Advice good, Cheers.

stazi

Just tell the JC your plans/intentions when you next sign on.

2009timeforchange

The jobcentre is closed on Monday 28th December so they will automatically advance sign you and you will get you payment early.

Indie_Kid

You may need to fill a form in.

NASA_2

You can sign on in another office for up to four weeks. I think it is a JSA90 that you sign in the other offices.

ellie101

ah, thanks all. I had visions of getting my benefit stopped for 2 weeks as saw something on TV where a young guy got his stopped (I think he was on a trip to Amsterdam or something so perhaps was treated differently).

I'll ask them tomorrow when I sign-on what the signing dates are for Christmas and explain.

Thanks.

AnxiousMum

If you have interviews booked for while you are in London - I would think that is evidence that you are in fact using that time away from 'home' to actively seek work. Let them know tomorrow - good luck!

healy

ellie101 wrote: »

ah, thanks all. I had visions of getting my benefit stopped for 2 weeks as saw something on TV where a young guy got his stopped (I think he was on a trip to Amsterdam or something so perhaps was treated differently).

I'll ask them tomorrow when I sign-on what the signing dates are for Christmas and explain.

Thanks.

As you will not have to sign on on the 28th of Dec even if you have to sign the week after it will be into January so I do not think you will have any problems as it is clear that you are looking for work whilst away.

[Deleted User]

the 28th is an official bank holiday in lieu of 26th which falls on a sat.

seven-day-weekend

You can take a UK holiday and remain on JSA, but if you have a holiday abroad you have to sign off.