Claiming benefits whilst doing an apprenticeship

soupdragon10

I really can't see how he's worse off doing the apprenticeship rather than on JSA. He gets more money, he is getting a qualification to help him into future employment and the gets the jobcentre off his back.

Being practical they won't let him claim jsa indefinitely without having to look for jobs which may not pay as much, nor give him qualifications. He needs to look at his long term goals, not just the fact that he won't have huge amounts of money for a year.

Quenastoise

Couldn't agree more with all that was said. Your son needs a trade/skills in order to generate income in the future, otherwise he'll never get himself off benefits

DebbieR

Your son should think of it as a really good opportunity. My OH who's self employed has taken on our son as an apprentice electrician and we're paying him £100 per week at the moment. So that we can afford the extra money I have to work an extra day a week in my job. It's a bit of a struggle and he probably doesn't appreciate it at the moment but it'll be worth it in the long run. At least he has enough money to run his car (we pay the insurance :eek:) and it gives him a work ethic, gets him out of the house, he's made new friends at college and he's gaining a skill. You have to find the positives in life

telboyo

If your son is doing an apprenticeship that requires practical skills he would be an absolute mug to give it up. Degree courses at Uni are 10 a penny Apprenticeships are like the proverbial rocking horse doo doo and he should feell proud he has been accepted on one. I work in the aeropsace industry all fitters need to be "time served" I know people who completed their apprentice ships and then started uni at 19-20 funding it by working 60 hrs per week during their holidays.
£900 per week goes a long way if you blag the tax!!!

simate

This isn't the only website this person has asked EXACTLY the same question. http://www.insuremenot.com/claiming-benefits-whilst-doing-an-apprenticeship/

cmw1212

simate wrote: »

This isn't the only website this person has asked EXACTLY the same question. http://www.insuremenot.com/claiming-benefits-whilst-doing-an-apprenticeship/

I don't think the OP posted on that site if you go through loads if not all of the posts are direct lifts from this forum.

kelloggs36

ON such a low wage, if he is living outside of the parental home, he should get housing benefit (or whatever it is called these days) and council tax benefit. What a fab opportunity; he would be a fool to let it go.

wilkies5

simate wrote: »

This isn't the only website this person has asked EXACTLY the same question. http://www.insuremenot.com/claiming-benefits-whilst-doing-an-apprenticeship/

:mad:

I AM THE OP AND I HAVE NEVER EVEN HEARD OF INSUREMENOT.COM.

I HAVE NOT RE-LISTED MY QUESTION WITH ANY OTHER SITE AS I ALWAYS GET BRILLIANT ANSWERS VIA MSE!!

THANKS FOR POINTING IT OUT!

RedSoleShoes

wilkies5 wrote: »

It's so demoralising to realise that he will be worse off taking this opportunity up, than to remain on JSA.

That's the problem these days, people compare job earnings to benefits. That should not even be the issue, especially at the age of 19.

Push him on the job ladder now while he has been offered the Willy Wonka golden ticket!

Oldernotwiser

Does he have to run a car to do the job and does he do so now?