How can I provide proof to Housing, of Unemployment, when Job Center forced Sign Off?

validis777

I was claiming JSA, and told them I was at college one day a week studying to be an electrician.

After a few months, they wanted me to attend 'cv building courses', which would overlap with a few of my college Exam dates. They told me I would have to re-arrange the Exams and that I must miss college for 2 weeks, which i wasnt willing to do.

Anyway, they said i could face suspension, but that i would end up in the same situation when the suspension ended (I have 4 more exams to take between now and june). They told me my best option was to Sign Off, and that after 13 weeks, if im still unemployed, sign back on, and i wont be on the New Deal (which tries to send me on pointless courses).

So, I signed off.

A few days after, my dad fell out of work. He pays the rent in this house. Anyway, He signed on, but he has got a letter from the Housing, telling him because theres no proof of me being unemployed, he must pay full rent. Which he cant afford to do.

So what I really want to know, is how can I provide the Housing with proof of me not being employed, without claiming JSA?

(Just to add, The only reason I signed on in the first place, was because I took out a Career Development Loan, to pay for my course to train to be an Electrician. The bank repayments were due, and i was still unemployed. They told me that if i signed on, then Repayments would be delayed for 12 months,. So I am not worried about lack of money or anything like that at the moment)
Thanks guys.

Vader123

So I am not worried about lack of money or anything like that at the moment

So why can't you help your dad pay the rent?

You kind of want it both ways. You don't want to fulfill the states obligations of being registered as unemployed (New deal, signing on), but want the state to help you (and your father) pay rent.

I think you need to decide whats more important to you.

Your options are to sign on (and take all that comes with it).
Quit college.
Find a job.

Vader

Owain_Moneysaver

validis777 wrote: »

I was claiming JSA, and told them I was at college one day a week studying to be an electrician.... They told me my best option was to Sign Off,

How recently was this? I think you were misadvised to sign off. By signing off you have lost NI credits towards your pension, as well as free dental care, prescriptions etc. If you had been sanctioned for not going to the CV courses you would have had a right of appeal, and the fact that you are doing a part time course leading to qualifications should have been good grounds.

You probably can't back-date a JSA claim but I would suggest signing on again, and then if they try and 'new deal' you make an appointment with your advisor to discuss.

daimonde

this doesnt quite sound right to me, is your dad responsible for the rent, ie is his name on a tenancy agreement ?

if he is, he should be able to claim the housing benefit with you as a non-dependent in the household, yes they would want to know what your income is, but it isnt a deal breaker & even without proof they can presume an income.

but personally, id accept something like a bank statement, maybe backed up with letters from JCP for proof of your (lack of) income.

validis777 wrote: »

my dad fell out of work. He pays the rent in this house. Anyway, He signed on, but he has got a letter from the Housing, telling him because theres no proof of me being unemployed, he must pay full rent. Which he cant afford to do.

So what I really want to know, is how can I provide the Housing with proof of me not being employed, without claiming JSA?

validis777

Owain_Moneysaver wrote: »

You probably can't back-date a JSA claim but I would suggest signing on again, and then if they try and 'new deal' you make an appointment with your advisor to discuss.

It was my Advisor that told me that Signing Off was my only option, if I didnt mind not getting the £102 a fortnight. I asked her if there is any way I could postpone any of the courses they want to send me on, untill my college was finished at the end of June. But she said that it was impossible, as after a 2 week of CV building, interview skills course, they would have me attend a 13 week course!

I really didn't want to miss college dates, as I am already in £3000 debt because of the Career Development Loan i took out to do the course. I'm not one of those guys that aren't looking for a job either. I really have been trying to get work as a Trainee/ Apprentice Electrician. I had even asked the Job Center if they could help find me an apprenticeship. But they are the least bit helpful. I signed off on the 26th March.

Is there any other form of proof I am eligable for? Personally, I think the government could do with a "I just want proof I'm unemployed, Dont worry about giving me benefits!"

As I said, the only reason I signed on in the first place was to help delay my loan repayments.

Is it possible to book an appointment with a Job Center Manager?

I have contacted my local MP, but so far, have heard nothing back.

Arg

Vader123 wrote: »

So why can't you help your dad pay the rent?

Why should he and why should his dads housing allowance be decided on someone else?

Vader123

Arg wrote: »

Why should he......

Because he lives there and does not have any money worries?

Vader

validis777

Vader123 wrote: »

Because he lives there and does not have any money worries?

Vader

Well, it's not like I've got a stash of money, otherwise i wouldnt be in £3000 debt for college fees. I dont really have any spending money. And my dad doesnt mind keeping the fridge and freezer full, as i make the dinners/ housekeep, etc, whilst im looking for work.

Owain_Moneysaver

validis777 wrote: »

Is there any other form of proof I am eligable for? Personally, I think the government could do with a "I just want proof I'm unemployed, Dont worry about giving me benefits!"

There's no proof that you're unemployed other than receiving JSA or ESA. (Employment Support Allowance, if you're signed offlong-term sick by the doctor). The benefits agency are incapable of understanding that people who aren't getting benefits can still be poor.

validis777 wrote: »

I have contacted my local MP, but so far, have heard nothing back.

You don't have an MP at the moment - Parliament has been dissolved for the election. All those restanding are Parliamentary Candidates. Former Members may continue to handle constituency casework or prepare to hand it over to the next Member, but are unlikely to take on new casework in the interim. They cannot do this on the Parliamentary estate, they cannot use Parliamentary email and other facilities, etc.

dmg24

Owain_Moneysaver wrote: »

The benefits agency are incapable of understanding that people who aren't getting benefits can still be poor.

Possibly because if someone is truly poor they would need to claim benefits to live!

Vader123

dmg24 wrote: »

Possibly because if someone is truly poor they would need to claim benefits to live!

Plus the OP has made it clear in their first post that he has no money issues.

Vader