Jsa + Volunteering

handm · 7 July 2010 at 2:10PM

Thanks thread closed

Jowo_2 · 7 July 2010 at 2:17PM

here is a useful link

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/HomeAndCommunity/Gettinginvolvedinyourcommunity/Volunteering/DG_064299

This includes a link to DWP guidance to claimants on this subject

http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/dwp1023.pdf

handm · 7 July 2010 at 2:22PM

Thanks thread closed

donnajunkie · 7 July 2010 at 4:08PM

i dont know if the rules have changed but my dad was volunteering 5 days a week upto 2007 and the jobcentre had no problem with it. they dont check up anyway. so long as you turn up for signing on, any appointments or courses they arrange and so long as you dont put the work ahead of any paid job you will be fine.

stef240377 · 7 July 2010 at 4:23PM

I recently attended a back to work session at my local JC+ and was told by the session leader that your are able to do voluntary work that fits in around you BUT if an interview or job start date is offered you cant refuse it due to volunteering as your benefit maybe affected as it will appear you are using it as an excuse not to get paid work, HTH.

handm · 7 July 2010 at 5:28PM

Thanks thread closed

busy_mom_2 · 7 July 2010 at 5:34PM

You can voluntary work for as many hours as you like provided you are volunteering for a registered charity. You must still be available for work and cannot use your volunteering as an excuse to not attend interviews, appointments or signing or any courses the jobcentre refer you to. You must be prepared to give this work up to take paid employment. The jobcentre can check you are doing the volunteering and if it is not for a charity then you can have notional earning deducted from your benefit.