Referred to "Flexible new deal" even though I am only signing for credits

codwidow

Hi

I have been told I need to attend an interview with an advisor at the JC to discuss my going on one of these programmes. I dont really know a lot about them, seeing as this is my first time unemployed. It has been just over 12months since I was made redundant and I only recieved JSA for 6months, I am now signing on for the NI credits.

If I had a job I would be able to pay for childcare but seeing as I dont I cant afford it
Anyone have any experience of this ?

busy_mom_2

What times have you stated you are available on your jobseekers agreement? How old are you children?

oldmotherreilly

My understanding is that you would qualify for the JCP to cover your childcare costs. A lot of parents choose not to sign for credits only due to the cover offered by the Home Responsibilities Protection (have a look here if you haven't heard of this: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Caringforsomeone/DG_10018691
If the new flexible New Deal is similar to the old one, your attendance hours for the course can be reduced due to your childcare responsibilities.

codwidow

I was told to put school hours even though one of my children is 7 and the other is under 4 and not old enough to be at at school.

codwidow

I am aware of the HRP form and wouldnt be signing unless I needed a cert for my mortgage protection insurance.

oldmotherreilly

Job wise, you have to be available for a minimum of 16 hours a week and the hours you state you are available have to correspond to the jobs you are looking for. Your new deal advisor can go over all your concerns at the main interview that you have been booked for-they review your Jobseeker's Agreement and explain the whole procedure to you. Sorry, I'm not very familiar with flexible New Deal process-I can tell you the ins and outs of the old system but FND is a whole different ball game and I wouldn't want to give you wrong advice, so I would have a chat with the advisor.

codwidow

Thats fine, I would love a job with about 16 hours,I have been applying for jobs left right and centre.

I just hope they are willing to provide me some assistance toward paying a private nursery for my youngest child and out of term time care for my other child.

busy_mom_2

You will need to speak to the stage 4 provider, once you have been referred you have no access to jobcentre funding so you won't be able to claim childcare from them, basically the provider will have to fund it. If they don't you either arrange interviews when you have someone to look after the children or don't go, they will refer you to a decision maker and you may loose your credits which in turn effect your insurance claim. I'm not a decision maker so depends on when and how much notice they give you. You should be prepared to attend interviews as part of claiming benefits and these stage 4 interviews are mandatory. What would you do if you had a job interview arranged? Be prepared as they will ask. You don't have to go every day minimum contact is once a fortnight.

codwidow

I think there is a big difference in arranging for someone to look after your child for 45 mins whilst you go to to the jobcentre or for a job interview, these events happen every couple of months or are a one off in the case of the interview

LizzieS_2

codwidow wrote: »

I am aware of the HRP form and wouldnt be signing unless I needed a cert for my mortgage protection insurance.
.

codwidow wrote: »

I just hope they are willing to provide me with a deposit for a private nursery for my youngest child and out of term time care for my other child. Also as I will have to drive or get the bus with my child on each occasion can I also claim travel expenses seeing as I dont get any JSA I cant really afford it, let alone the childcare

You seem to be either missing the point (or wanting both the cake and eating it). You have 2 choices:

1) Claim HRP which will be weekly credits from 6 April 2010 and will be for a child under 12 (guess that will change to under 7 in the not too distant future, although neither currently affect you).

2) Sign on for credits and accept new deal conditions.

Option (2) could put you out of pocket for childcare/travel but it is your choice and you are in currently in the position of qualifying for some jobs which are only open to those signing on for over 6 months.

In simple terms, there are advantages and disadvantages for both options and you just have to pick the one that you want most.

seven-day-weekend

You do not need to sign on to receive NI credits, these are credited automatically if you are in receipt of Child benefit for a child under twelve, up to a maximum number of years.