JSA between college and uni

pipscot

petunia100 wrote: »

Could we choose to give up the child benefit though so that she could sign on?

petunia100 wrote: »

Her place at uni is dependant on her grades, so until she gets her results surely she is entitled to look for a full time job and therefore entitled to JSA.

As a previous poster has said - you may be able to give up your child benefit before September but she is NOT GUARANTEED to get JSA instead.

She is certainly entitled to look for a job - in fact her getting a job would be the best scenario since she can earn some money, you can keep your child benefit and everyone will be happy!

harlemgame

Similar situation. Have 19 year old son been in full time education since school continued at college till last year. Just completed a 6 month work experience course ( received EMA during this time). EMA stopped when course ended at beginning of May so tried to sign on Job Seekers 2 weeks ago just received letter saying not eligible as his Child Benefit extension period does not end till 6/6. So has to make a re-claim from that date. Child Benefit was informed as soon as work experience ended last month, but from what I gather these extension periods are set dates, which prevents claiming JSA till ends. Same applies if young person leaves education in June/July but Child Benefit runs till Aug/Sep. If receiving Child Tax Credits they would have stopped as soon as Education/approved training ended. So in short whilst receiving Child Benefit cannot claim JSA. But also cannot stop receiving Child Benefit till extension period ends, or qualify for Tax Credits as not in education/training. Catch 22.

Ronaldo_Mconaldo

Surely you don't want your kid's first experience of the working world to involve begging for benefits. That'll be the worst lesson they could possible learn.

harlemgame

Totally understand your point, having worked myself since age of 16, so has his father and fortunatly never had to see the inside of a job centre. But as we all know things have changed last few years. Regarding son am in difficult position has a serious disability (registered blind/poor vision) which limits his ability to apply for general work. Has done well so far studying/work placement but now stuck financially and also will need assistance find suitable employment or further work experience. The whole point of his JSA claim is to stay positive as he does have skills that I hope can be put to good use, rather than instill the attitude that he should claim unfit to work when I believe he able, with some help find suitable position.

tiddly_widdly

My sons birthday is April. So child benefit had stopped when he finished his A level. He was taking a gap year in order to try and work to save money for uni. He signed on, and was given jobseekers, its only about £50 per week but actually the experience of having to go to the job centre and see what he referred to as scum, made him more determined to get a job. He hated having to go and sit with people who obviously had no intention of working ever. Seeing the lifestyles of people living off benefits just opened the eyes of my 18 year old son and motivated hime. So, no, I did not want him to see this as a way of life rather than work but the money gave him a little independence whilst looking for work. It certainly isnt enough to actually seriously live on.

harlemgame

Hope this new experience also gives him some self motivation too, as like I said before we as parents have a strong work ethic where possible. Cannot class everybody the same, but I do know the sort of people you mean. And disability or not I would with some help hope my son can acheive something. Just feel sorry for all the genuine claimants who would rather work than be anywhere near the job centre being classed the same as those who have no intention of ever working for a living.