confused job seekers or just claim tax credits?

ellie1709

Hi just wondered if anyone can give some advice? I've just come to the end of my maternity allowance payments and handed in my notice with my employer for a job that I have had for 4 years. I'm currently trying to find another job that will suit my family as I have a daughter 21 months old and a 6month old boy. My husband works full time but does shift work and I've never been unemployed before so feel a bit lost. Working tax credits said it was worth getting intouch about job seekers allowance . I did and got an appointment made with the local job centre. Yesterday I got a phone call from the job centre where the lady asked what I was doing, cause I should just claim working tax credit as appointments are slim due to job cuts and I'm not a lone parent so I'm not really classed as seeking work. Also she said if I asked you to come in for an interview tomorrow morning could you? I said it would depend on if I could get childcare sorted. She said see - you're not fully available for work therefore you wont get jsa. I'm feeling pretty rubbish as the appointment is tomorrow and she's asked me to ring back today to let her know if I am cancelling my appointment.

Sorry so the short of it is should I just claim working tax credit and leave job seekers allowance alone ?

Thanks

karenx

It depends on what your partner earns whether you can claim working tax credits or not.
JSA you have to activly be seeking employment and be available at all times.

ellie1709

hi my hubby's basic is £18000 and at the moment working 7 days to get the overtime in, so he could finish this year on 26 000 if he keeps going. I am actively seeking work, but I would need to find a job first and then get childcare .

She was saying because I'm married their is no allowance for childcare, so for interviews signing on etc I need to be fully available 8-5 mon -friday, but people go sign on with children with them don't they?

karenx

You wont get working tax credits then on that income. So your best bet is to find a job.
Yes I would imagine you could go sign on and take your kids with you but what would you do if you got an interview for the next day, would you have someone to take the kids while you went to an interview? If answer is no then I dont see how you would fulfill the criteria for JSA