Graduated can I claim JSA?

pulliptears

Hello all, new to this board so please be gentle!

Im 36 and just Graduated from University. I have been jobhunting but not found anything as of yet. Having never claimed a benefit in my life I was wondering if it would be possible for me to claim JSA, and having looked into it I fear I can't but would appreciate some input.

OH works full time and earns over £30k a year. Now this sounds a lot on paper, but we have bills and mortgage etc. Added to this we have a 12 year old DD and a 17 year old DS in full time education. DS is not eligible for EMA because of OH's income. DS has been looking for part time work for 8 months now but there is very little around here. This means quite a bit more expense on his lunch, bus pass etc

Now my student funding has stopped we are really starting to feel the pinch. I mentioned JSA to OH last night and decided to look into it but as I say I think if I am entitled to anything it will be a fiver a week lol

Any help appreciated!

Oldernotwiser

You won't be able to claim means tested JSA because your OH earns too much. Have you been working and paying NICs whilst you've been at university?

pulliptears

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

You won't be able to claim means tested JSA because your OH earns too much. Have you been working and paying NICs whilst you've been at university?

No, not worked since I started at Uni, didn't really have the time as I was caring for my Dad as well, it was all a little hectic. Probably one of the most chaotic periods of my life and Im amazed I came out with a 2:1

Oldernotwiser

pulliptears wrote: »

No, not worked since I started at Uni, didn't really have the time as I was caring for my Dad as well, it was all a little hectic. Probably one of the most chaotic periods of my life and Im amazed I came out with a 2:1

Congratulations on your degree, particularly as you gained it under difficult circumstances. Unfortunately, as you haven't paid NICs, you won't be able to claim contributions based JSA either. Are you already claiming tax credits?

pulliptears

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

Congratulations on your degree, particularly as you gained it under difficult circumstances. Unfortunately, as you haven't paid NICs, you won't be able to claim contributions based JSA either. Are you already claiming tax credits?

I think we claim child tax credit, but it's not much. Its a little worrying really with having to support DS too, though hopefully a job at tesco is in the pipeline for him which should ease things. I think I'm probably better just taking a job for now and then looking around for something more in my field. At least the money will be coming in lol

Doubly stressful as I also now care for Mum since Dad passed away. As she doesn't claim any benefit I believe I'm not entitled to a carers allowance there either, even though I do all her shopping, cleaning etc and take her to appointments.

Love the system I really do

Indie_Kid

You'd only be able to claim carers allowance if your mum receives mid or high care DLA or attendance allowance.

Candigirl69

Congratulations on your Graduation.. Marvelous achievement.

Look up the website entitledtodotcodotuk (sorry too new to posts links yet)! They have a benefit calculator on there.

You won't qualify for JSA unfortunately. Regarding your mum, does she have any illnesses or ailments that may qualify her for DLA or Attendance Allowance (attendance allowance if she is over 65)? Have a look on the gov website and find out if your mum's eligible.

Good Luck!

alwaysonthego_2

www.entitledto.co.uk

pulliptears

Candigirl69 wrote: »

Congratulations on your Graduation.. Marvelous achievement.

Look up the website entitledtodotcodotuk (sorry too new to posts links yet)! They have a benefit calculator on there.

You won't qualify for JSA unfortunately. Regarding your mum, does she have any illnesses or ailments that may qualify her for DLA or Attendance Allowance (attendance allowance if she is over 65)? Have a look on the gov website and find out if your mum's eligible.

Good Luck!

Thanks Candigirl. Mum is 74, she has asthma and other breathing problems and is recently suffering from very high blood pressure making her lose balance etc.

To be honest I didn't think we could claim Attendance Allowance because Mum isn't registered disabled so I hadn't really looked into it in depth. Thats an avenue for me to explore anyway!

thank you!

alwaysonthego_2

I did not take much notice who the OP as i was in a rush but saw it was you; but as ONW said well done on achieving your degree, you have done fantastic x

alwaysonthego_2

pulliptears wrote: »

Thanks Candigirl. Mum is 74, she has asthma and other breathing problems and is recently suffering from very high blood pressure making her lose balance etc.

To be honest I didn't think we could claim Attendance Allowance because Mum isn't registered disabled so I hadn't really looked into it in depth. Thats an avenue for me to explore anyway!

thank you!

Get in a claim for AA, she does not need to be registered disabled. Check the benefits guide at the top of this forum, it has a bit of info on how she can claim AA and there is info on carer's allowance.