Do you HAVE to claim JSA if unemployed if looking to claim Housing Benefit?

PockettMoney

My current contract expires soon and I've not yet been able to find a new job, so a period of unemployment looks inevitable. I do however have the opportunity of volunteering at a local nursing home, which would be full-time, and is something I would like to do whilst looking to get myself a new paid-for role. Would I be able to approach my local Housing Benefit team for assistance with my rent if doing this or is registering for JSA and attending weekly interviews compulsory for the HB team also? I don't have any capital, and by the time my contract expire I won't have too much in the way of savings, but if I was to receive help with my rent I would certainly be able to cover the other bills for about 6 months. Not that I actually want to be volunteering for that long, just saying how long I think my savings would last; I would still need a paid job and would be actively looking for one, but in my own time and not overseen by the Job Centre.

Does anyone know if this kind of arrangement is possible?

Of course, I still have a bit of time to go so hopefully it won't even be necessary,, I was just wondering what the options were come the inevitable day?

healy

PockettMoney wrote: »

My current contract expires soon and I've not yet been able to find a new job, so a period of unemployment looks inevitable. I do however have the opportunity of volunteering at a local nursing home, which would be full-time, and is something I would like to do whilst looking to get myself a new paid-for role. Would I be able to approach my local Housing Benefit team for assistance with my rent if doing this or is registering for JSA and attending weekly interviews compulsory for the HB team also? I don't have any capital, and by the time my contract expire I won't have too much in the way of savings, but if I was to receive help with my rent I would certainly be able to cover the other bills for about 6 months. Not that I actually want to be volunteering for that long, just saying how long I think my savings would last; I would still need a paid job and would be actively looking for one, but in my own time and not overseen by the Job Centre.

Does anyone know if this kind of arrangement is possible?

Of course, I still have a bit of time to go so hopefully it won't even be necessary,, I was just wondering what the options were come the inevitable day?

Yes you can claim HB/LHA without needing to sign on.

The Local Authority will probably want to know what you are living off in the meantime.

PockettMoney

Thank you Healy.
I have actually sent my local HB team the same question by email but I guess they are busy at the moment as I've not heard back yet and, anyway, it's not an urgent enquiry, yet!
I guess it would just be a case of showing my bank statement then, explaining that I believe I could survive with the funds I have remaining for a limited amount of time should I receive assistance with regards to Housing Benefit.

healy

PockettMoney wrote: »

Thank you Healy.
I have actually sent my local HB team the same question by email but I guess they are busy at the moment as I've not heard back yet and, anyway, it's not an urgent enquiry, yet!
I guess it would just be a case of showing my bank statement then, explaining that I believe I could survive with the funds I have remaining for a limited amount of time should I receive assistance with regards to Housing Benefit.

Yes I think that is what it would entail. There are some HB/LHA experts on here and they may confirm this.

JC9297

PockettMoney wrote: »

Thank you Healy.
I have actually sent my local HB team the same question by email but I guess they are busy at the moment as I've not heard back yet and, anyway, it's not an urgent enquiry, yet!
I guess it would just be a case of showing my bank statement then, explaining that I believe I could survive with the funds I have remaining for a limited amount of time should I receive assistance with regards to Housing Benefit.

As long as you have less than £6000 in savings, after that your HB is reduced on a sliding scale and savings over £16000 would mean no HB.

PockettMoney

JC9297 wrote: »

As long as you have less than £6000 in savings, after that your HB is reduced on a sliding scale and savings over £16000 would mean no HB.

I wish I'd have that much left but unfortunately it will be nowhere near £6k.
I think a point I was trying to make I haven't actually stated.
If I choose to work voluntarily full-time I am therefore, by my own choosing, not obtaining £64 p/week to help towards me expenses.
Would the HB team therefore reduce any HB award by this same amount because of my choice?
I'm perfectly prepared to go onto JSA, I just felt that being in a full-time voluntary role would be better for me and I know there is going to be an open position about the same time I will be back in the job hunting role!