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Can I Claim Income-Based JSA?

Hi there - just looking for a little information.

I was made redundant 2 years ago and haven't worked since as I've spent my time looking after my 2 pre-school children. My husband works earning £25k pa and we receive tax credits of £177 a fortnight and housing benefit of £198 a fortnight.

Money is extremely tight, so I'm looking to go back to work at the end of this year when my oldest starts school and youngest will be at nursery for some of the week. I need to start the job search thing now and its costing me money in petrol going to agencies, etc.

Can I claim JSA? if so, will it effect my other benefts, effectively leaving me no better off? will I be forced to take the kind of job that I wouldn't want to do?

Many thanks in advance if anyones got any answers!
Jaelor :hello:

We all make mistakes - that's why they put rubbers on the end of pencils

Comments

  • Oldernotwiser
    Oldernotwiser Posts: 37,425 Forumite
    I'm afraid that your household income's far too high for you to claim means tested JSA.
  • karenx
    karenx Posts: 4,988 Forumite
    Im also surprised you get so much HB on such a high income too.
    £400 a month on an income of 25k, surly thats not right.
  • Jaelor
    Jaelor Posts: 80 Forumite
    karenx wrote: »
    Im also surprised you get so much HB on such a high income too.
    £400 a month on an income of 25k, surly thats not right.

    Its all relative Karenx - I live in Surrey where the average rent for a 2 bedroom house comes in at around £895 a month.
    Jaelor :hello:

    We all make mistakes - that's why they put rubbers on the end of pencils

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