Eligibility For JSA Whilst Studying

Christopherj_2

viktory wrote: »

So if you found a job would you be prepared to give up your course?

Yes I would, but I highly doubt I'd find a job because I've been searching for 2 years now and no luck.

I've chosen to do this course to boost my confidence in the working world and to gain qualifications in the line of work I want to do, should I not find a job before hand.

If I haven't found a job by the time I finish the Access Programme, then I'll be going to University.

Indie_Kid

Deepmistrust wrote: »

You can't claim Jobseekers if you aren't actively seeking work. If your course is "full time", you might qualify for IS instead.

Why would the OP qualify for IS? I think the same rules apply. (well, apart from the "actively seeking work" bit)

Christopherj_2

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

Don't underestimate the amount of work that's involved in a good quality Access course, they can (and should) be very intensive. Good luck.

I've already been told.

Christopherj_2

ash4becks wrote: »

But the snag of jsa is after 6 months they want you on there daft courses might not apply if there paying for it i would check but you only need to declare the hours on your timetable jcp told me that

I think the rules have changed in regards to their own courses.

Christopherj_2

I've just filled out a 'Contact us' form from the direct.gov website in order to have the information in writing.

jla1051

The Jobcentre will need to see your college learning agreement. This will state the GLH (guided learning hours) for the course, if they exceed 16 hours you cannot claim JSA.

Christopherj_2

jla1051 wrote: »

The Jobcentre will need to see your college learning agreement. This will state the GLH (guided learning hours) for the course, if they exceed 16 hours you cannot claim JSA.

Would this be the in college hours?

Jowo_2

Full time students don't generally qualify for many benefits unless they are disabled or have children and then it tends to be income support that they qualify for, not JSA.

Your college may have an adviser in their student funding department who would be able to advise you of your specific position. Ask them about their hardship fund.

Most students work part-time to support their studies. You stated before that it was a struggle for you to find employment - is it easier to find casual part-time rather than full-time work in your area?

Christopherj_2

Jowo wrote: »

Full time students don't generally qualify for many benefits unless they are disabled or have children and then it tends to be income support that they qualify for, not JSA.

Even though the course is 13 hours a week?

Jowo_2

Christopherj wrote: »

Even though the course is 13 hours a week?

You stated that the college considers it a full time course, stop clinging onto just the class-room time. My University courses had around 10-12 hours of lectures and tutorials each week for 5 years and nobody was eligible for JSA - the time spent on research and writing up outside the class room makes it full time.

On your premise, virtually every University and college student across the country is eligible for JSA which is clearly not the case.

Speak to your college adviser about other sources of funding, including their discretionary funds and start looking into part-time employment opportunities to top up the shortfall in your income versus your outgoings. See if the access course is available on an actual part-time basis over a longer period.