Can EVERYONE claim Job Seekers Allowance?

Middle_Sister

I thought anybody that had lost their job or been made redundant could claim JSA - if they were actively seeking employement.
However someone has said that you have to disclose your savings, shares, redundancy money, etc and that they could decide you have enough without the allowance.

How can that be?

Bobl

Of course there are rules. If you have sufficient to live on by using savings or redundancy money than you may not qualify or it may be reduced.

CCFC_80

Middle_Sister wrote: »

I thought anybody that had lost their job or been made redundant could claim JSA - if they were actively seeking employement.
However someone has said that you have to disclose your savings, shares, redundancy money, etc and that they could decide you have enough without the allowance.

How can that be?

You only need to do this if you claim Incomes Based JSA. If you have paid enough National Insurance Contributions in the previous 2 Tax years, you should get Contribution based JSA. You can get this even if you are a millionaire but it is only payable for up to 6 months.

Jowo_2

There are two types of JSA, one based on those who have made enough contributions which is payable for the first 6 months, and an income based one for those on low income (i.e. this is means tested).

A majority of benefits are means tested and it is structured so that couples are expected to provide mutual assistance and support.

So yes, there are grounds when someone won't qualify for JSA as they have a large amount of savings or their partner's income is at a certain level. More info here.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Employedorlookingforwork/DG_10018757

Middle_Sister

What a relief. I have paid enough stamp to qualify without having to declare any savings etc. Many thanks.

Genesis

They wont give it to you if you were self employed & you lose your business.

dmg24

Genesis wrote: »

They wont give it to you if you were self employed & you lose your business.

That is incorrect, although you are more likely to be eligible for IB JSA if you have been self employed for a length of time.

OP, everyone is entitled to claim JSA, some may not be entitled due to other income/ capital (if applying for IB JSA), and some may be sanctioned due to leaving their job without good reason.

lizzie_b

I'm not entitled to anything because I have savings (which I actually cant use to live off) and my partner earns what is deemed to be enough for us to live on. so not everyone gets something. xxx

dmg24

lizzie_b wrote: »

I'm not entitled to anything because I have savings (which I actually cant use to live off) and my partner earns what is deemed to be enough for us to live on. so not everyone gets something. xxx

However you are entitled to sign on for NI Credits. Being entitled to claim JSA and receiving payment are two different things. I assume you had not paid sufficient NI Conts to receive CB JSA?

shikoku

OP will you be claiming housing/council tax benefit? If so you will be asked to disclose your finances for these.

telboyo

andy46 wrote: »

You only need to do this if you claim Incomes Based JSA. If you have paid enough National Insurance Contributions in the previous 2 Tax years, you should get Contribution based JSA. You can get this even if you are a millionaire but it is only payable for up to 6 months.

I receive a military pension of 6k P.A because of this I rec:eive no JSA or stamp, without JSA you cannot get any other benefits. Also I am not eligible for training etc as the first question they ask is:

"Are you in receipt of JSA"