Job Seeker's Allowance Relationship Status

reeva

Hi all,

I am applying online for job seeker's allowance as I have been made redundant today.

The relationship staus is confusing me.

I rent a house with my fiance and we have lived together for almost two and a half years. Am I classed as single for the JSA application? Or should I select Married or Common Law???

I can't seem to find much help. Can anyone give me some guidance please?

Duncombe

What type of JSA are you applying for?

reeva

There are different types? I'm just applying for JSA, no other benefits.

Duncombe

reeva wrote: »

There are different types? I'm just applying for JSA, no other benefits.

Does your partner work? And if so, how much does he earn?

Have you been working and paying NI for the last 2 tax years?

alwaysonthego_2

You are living together as husband and wife, so you are not single.

If you have enough NICs for tax years 07-08 and 08-09 you could claim CBJSA otherwise it is IBJSA which will take account of your partner's income and capital.

alwaysonthego_2

Duncombe wrote: »

Have you been working and paying NI for the last 2 tax years?

It is tax years 07-08 and 08-09

Duncombe

alwaysonthego wrote: »

You are living together as husband and wife, so you are not single.

If you have enough NICs for tax years 07-08 and 08-09 you could claim CBJSA otherwise it is IBJSA which will take account of your partner's income and capital.

A much better way of answering the original question! :T

I was just about to say "...but the tax year for 09/10 hasn't finished yet".

I should go back to bed.

reeva

He does work. He earns £24k, but we cannot afford our rent and bills on just his salary alone.

Yes, I have been working and paying NI for the last 2 tax years.

Am I classed as single or married?

MrsBartolozzi

I think there is only one box for "living together". The government consider you to be a couple if you are living together as one regardless of your marital status. If you are applying for Job Seekers Allowance (contribution based) then if you are entitled it doesn't matter what your partner earns. If you are applying for JSA (income based) then your partner's income is looked at and if they earn enough to provide for you both then you won't be entitled to any JSA.

reeva

Ah, thanks alwaysonthego. I will put married

MrsBartolozzi, no, living together is not an option.

I don't know which one I applying for, I'm just filling out the online form..

Duncombe

reeva wrote: »

Ah, thanks alwaysonthego. I will put married

AOTG did a much better job of ansering the original question. My apologies. You can apply for CBJSA, which is payable for 6 months (26 weeks) only.