How long can you claim cb-JSA whilst pregnant?

Pepzofio

I've had a look on the boards and can see a lot of posts about switching from JSA to IS whilst pregnant which mention that you can do this from 11wks before EWC, but I was just wondering whether you HAVE to stop claiming JSA at this point, or whether it's just the earliest that you can switch to IS, iyswim.

I realise you have to be available for work to claim JSA, but plenty of people work right up to their due date (or certainly much closer than 11 weeks anyway!) Is there anything to stop someone on cb-JSA from continuing to look for work & claim JSA beyond this point? (Assuming they have not used up their 26wks that is.)

masterlumps

i would guess not, i always assumed most people changed at the earliest point possible (29wks) as IS pays more than JSA

Pepzofio

Thanks for the reply, but IS pay the same rate as JSA. (There's just no requirement to be actively seeking employment, which I think is where the attraction in swapping lies.) But I'm talking specifically about someone on cb-JSA who would not be eligible for IS.

von

As long as you are available for work and actively looking for work then you can claim CB JSA up to your due date.

Pepzofio

Thanks!

clairec79

I'm sure there is a cut off where they can say no - I *think* it's 36 weeks as you can claim incapacity benefit on grounds of pregnancy from 4 weeks before your due date to 2 weeks after the birth (but it may be 2 weeks before and 4 weeks after) if you do not qualify for maternity benefits