Jury Duty while on Jobseekers Allowance

WeeTojo

Hi.
I have just recieved a letter from the court to tell me I am on the list for Jury Duty. My question is, Will this affect my Jobseekers Allowance as I will not be activly seeking employment if I am chosen to sit on the jury. Thanks in advance.

Chartered_Eng

Please see the DirectGov web site (http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/CrimeJusticeAndTheLaw/Goingtocourt/DG_072707) for the following info:

Claiming for loss of earnings and other costs


Jury service is unpaid, as it's a public duty rather than a job. While you are on jury service you can claim an allowance for:

• financial loss, eg pay or benefits
• travel
• subsistence, eg lunch, refreshments

You'll receive information about the amount you can claim with your 'jury summons'.

WeeTojo

Okay thanks.

cassieB57

to answer the question; if you let your jobcentre know BEFOREHAND that you are required for jury service, you can be excused attendance and jobseeking, and will be treated as available for work for up to 8 weeks, and your JSA will be paid automatically; you would not therefore need to make a claim for loss of benefits.

michaelvintner

As cassieB57 you need to let the jobcentre know and take along your summons letter. I was on Jury Service for two weeks while signing on and I was not required to sign on at the jobcentre as I had a relevant reason not to be available.

WeeTojo

:beer: Thanks cassieB57 and michaelvintner for your reply it is really helpful. :beer: