JSA - Am I Entitled?

katskorner

Hi, Just after a bit of advice. I am a full time mum at present with three small children (two at school). I am going to start looking for a job soon as my smallest is going to be old enough for nursery but I wondered if I could claim JSA while I look? I worked for over 10 years before I had the kids in an IT career and have been self-employed twice since then but not for about 8 months now. I am not sure how it works anymore! Any advice welcome.

Oldernotwiser

Are you a lone parent?

katskorner

No, not a lone parent. OH works. I thought it was based upon MY contributions? Thanks for your help.

zzzLazyDaisy

Have you been in employment (ie not self-employed) and paying NIC's in the past two years? If the answer is 'no' then you are not eligible for contribution based JSA (you are obviously not eligible for means tested JSA as your OH works)

Evilm

If you haven't worked in 07/08 or 08/09 then you won't have any contributions to use for contribution based JSA.

wearside_2

It's unfortunate, but you have to have paid full contributions in the previous two Tax Years i.e. 07/08 and 08/09 to qualify for the Contribution Based Job Seekers Allowance, formally known as Unemployment Benefit. I do not think that this is fair as you have paid full contributions in the past for the many years you have worked.

Oldernotwiser

katskorner wrote: »

No, not a lone parent. OH works. I thought it was based upon MY contributions? Thanks for your help.

It is, but it sounds as if you haven't made them.

katskorner

I have made plenty in previous years but have been self-employed in 08 and 09 so it looks like I won't be able to get anything. All those years paying in amount to nothing. That sounds about right.

Oldernotwiser

katskorner wrote: »

I have made plenty in previous years but have been self-employed in 08 and 09 so it looks like I won't be able to get anything. All those years paying in amount to nothing. That sounds about right.

The contributions you have made in the past counted for your benefit eligibility at the time and also towards your pension. You cannot expect contributions paid several years ago to qualify you for benefits in the present.

zenmaster

ONW is quite right. NI is not a savings scheme.

However, it is probably worth signing on as, even though you probably will not get any cash, they will pay your NI stamp which counts towards future contributions.

katskorner

See, because I have never claimed benefits I have no idea how it works! I would much rather get back into work when the little one is a bit bigger.

I was told I may be eligible for JSA but looks as though I am not. I don't expect anything I have always paid for myself as I have always worked before the children. I do not expect anyone to support my family, except my family. I was merely investigating upon advise I was given.

Thanks for your replies.