Can I apply for JSA(IB) early?

Tigsteroonie

As in, can I start my claim early?

Maternity Allowance is due to expire on 14 May so, barring any successful job applications, I'll need to apply for JSA(IB) from that date. Partner not working, receives Carers Allowance for our son as he'll eventually be the SAHD.

Does anyone know if I can complete the online JSA forms now, ready to start on 15 May? Can't afford too long a gap between payments you see.

Thanks!

NASA_2

You can claim in advance although I dont know if it can be done online that way.

Amistoso_2

Sorry but I don't think you can claim in advance...

healy

Amistoso wrote: »

Sorry but I don't think you can claim in advance...

We have had this question a few times and although it seems the DWP are not always keen on the idea people can claim in advance.

Amistoso_2

healy wrote: »

We have had this question a few times and although it seems the DWP are not always keen on the idea people can claim in advance.

Ok, that's good to know, just when I worked at JC we always had to decline any advance claims!

NASA_2

You definately can claim in advance.

Advance awards

02425 The guidance about advance awards in the following paragraphs does not apply to

1. MA, or where it is treated as a claim for IB or SDA

2. RP, or an increase of RP

3. DLA

4. AA

5. SPC

6. SAP

7. SF funeral and maternity payments

8. CMB.
See DMG 02530 et seq.
02426 An advance award may be possible if a claimant does not satisfy the conditions of
entitlement on the date on which a claim is made but will satisfy them for a future
period. The future period must begin on a day which is no more than three months
after the date of claim. The DM treats the claim as made for a period beginning with
the date from which entitlement will begin. No disallowance is needed for the period
from the date claimed to the date entitlement begins1. The advance award
provisions do not apply to IS, JSA(IB) and ESA(IR) claimants from abroad (including
claimants who are not habitually resident in the UK)2.

1 SS (C&P) Regs, reg 13; 2 reg 13(3) & 13(9)

Example

A claimant receiving IS makes a claim for a maternity payment 15 weeks before her
expected date of confinement. If the DM considers it will be likely that the claimant
will still be getting IS in four weeks time (the start of the prescribed time for
claiming), the claim date can be advanced and an award considered.
02427 The claim should only be treated as made in advance if the day on which
entitlement would begin is fixed and certain. If it is not, a disallowance should be
given and the claimant advised to claim at a later date. If an advance award is made
Periods of claims, awards and disallowances 02428 02439
Vol 1 Amendment 33 February 2010
it is subject to the claimant satisfying the conditions for entitlement when the date
from which benefit is to be awarded is reached. The DM should reconsider an award
made in advance if, on the date entitlement would start, the claimant does not
satisfy conditions for entitlement because, for example, there has been a change of
circumstances in the meantime1 (see DMG Chapter 04).

1 SS (C&P) Regs, reg 13

Tigsteroonie

Thanks for the responses, I'll give it a go! (Next week, not going to try toooooo early)