Refused JSA for non NI Contributions!! I was at Uni for 3 years!!!!

Jowo_2

Skibum wrote: »

Ok thanks ill google it and see what comes up. Tried to get a graduate loan to clear my credit cards but as i dont have a full time job or job offer its not possibe. Thats another discussion though.

Go to the Debt free wanabee board for expert advice on how to handle your debts.

Jowo_2

anewman wrote: »

ISTR the same is not true where two men (or two women) live together, and therefore the system is against Heterosexuality. I thought we were supposed to be beyond discrimination based on sexuality, but clearly not.

No, it's not - people in same sex relationships are expected to support each other when it comes to means tested benefits, in exactly the same way heterosexual couples are.

If anyone in a relationship denies their relationship to exploit the benefits system by hiding their means from the DWP, its fraud - gay or straight.

Jowo_2

ninky wrote: »

yes. this is one of the most unfair aspects of the benefits system imho. it assumes that because you cohabit with someone you must automatically be responsible for their financial welfare. such a moral obligation is something for individuals - not the state. not all relationships are the same.

The state does expect couples to financially support each other whether these couples find it morally repugnant or not. It's fairly common for couples to share household expenses and while these arrangements are informal and set up between themselves, the public purse does and should indeed expect some kind of sharing to take place.

If a person in a relationship finds that their partner refuses to help the other one out, then I think the relationship is on ropey ground....

suited-aces

ninky wrote: »

yes. this is one of the most unfair aspects of the benefits system imho. it assumes that because you cohabit with someone you must automatically be responsible for their financial welfare. such a moral obligation is something for individuals - not the state. not all relationships are the same.

Call me old fashioned, but if you're going to commit to living together, that responsibility should be a given.

real1314

Skibum wrote: »

So because ive been honest with my situation i have been refused! If i had moved it with my parents (who have more money then my girlfriend) i would of been fine, however because we want to start a life together i was totally honest and said we were living together. That was my first mistake!

Do you love her?
Do you want to be with her?

Hey ho.

I noticed you'd said it wouldn't be a problem if she earned £100k, but that as she "only" earns £18k it's not fair. This is a common approach - people expect the cut off to be:- "higher than what I've got, but not so high that people 25% better off than me can get anything"

Would it be fair for someone who works 24 hrs on minimum wage, getting about £7k before tax to then have to pay tax that you then take money from? Your girlfriend earns more than twice that.

As for needing to pay NI to get Contributory JSA - it's an insurance scheme, you get it if you've paid into it.

anewman

TBH I'm in a similar position and my GF is earning about £10k, things would be much easier if she were earning £18k, that's nearly twice as much. Can understand the difficulties in asking her to give you her own hard earned cash though, when she has her own things to pay for.

Oldernotwiser

Skibum wrote: »

So because ive been honest with my situation i have been refused! If i had moved it with my parents (who have more money then my girlfriend) i would of been fine, however because we want to start a life together i was totally honest and said we were living together. That was my first mistake!

Hardly a mistake if it's saved you from a prosecution and a criminal record!

anewman

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

Hardly a mistake if it's saved you from a prosecution and a criminal record!

They'd have to prove it though, pretty difficult when they're not allowed to leave concealed surveillance devices and so forth. Pretty easy to convince them you're not a couple. Plus if one's in work they won't be in when they call around to check.

Not that I am advocating benefit fraud, just highlighting the difficulties in burden of proof and evidence.

Becles

Skibum wrote: »

she earns 18K which is hardly enough to pay her loan, rent, all bills and feed us both hence me asking advice.

Are you sure there is nothing you can do to reduce your outgoings? Draw up a budget and post it on the Debt Free board and people will have a look at it for you and see where you can make savings.

Check out the old style board for tips on how to cut food bills. Some friends on here have been involved with setting up this site and it is brilliant:
http://www.cheap-family-recipes.org.uk/

I was a single parent for a while and could only work part time, so my total household income was £10K from wages and tax credits, but I managed to pay bills, housing, food etc, for me and two children. It was a stuggle at times but we managed.

calleyw

Sam___ wrote: »

I think the cut off for WTC for couples is £18k

Unless it has gone up WTC is approx £17.2K for a couple with no children.

And no they would not get any help.

But such is life. That is the rules and we don't make them.

And I am well aware of how hard it is. Try having a husband who will most likely never work again due to being disabled.

Yours

Calley