JSA tricky bits

Redundolita

Hello all

Recently made redundant and just started claiming CB JSA. 52 and 1st timer. Have some questions I hope the board can help with

First off, on my next signing on day I want to support my hubby who will likely be at hospital most of that day. Apparently I'm supposed to call on the morning of that day...can't I let them know in advance ? What will happen when I call and what effect will that have on my benefit ?

Then, I have a course booked which I'm paying for from my own pocket in pursuit of self employment. This takes place during the week following hubby's hospital appointment but I have already told the Jobcentre about it. My understanding from talking to staff is that they won't pay for the course ( fair enough - it's £2k but utterly worthwhile IMHO) but additionally I will lose my benefit for that week. Seems harsh, is this correct ?

There is a very useful guide to benefits which I have read through - another query is what happens when/if I go self employed? The benefits staff I have spoken to claim that my self employment won't have an effect on my JSA until I'm earning/working more than 16 hours a week, but I'm worried I may work some weeks and not others - do I have to come off JSA straight away ? What is the self employment credit about ? Is that paid in lieu of JSA ?

Finally I am wondering if it might be better to say I am going on holiday rather than on a course. The course is in the UK, it's at a retreat, and I would be happy to give the benefits office the address and I am taking my laptop with me, so could say I am available for and actively seeking work. Do you really still get JSA when you're on holiday so long as it's in the UK ?

It is always so busy in the Jobcentre and I'm not entirely sure I'd get the best advice from these clearly stressed out people. Some of them look in desperate need of a hug..

Thanks for reading

Redundolita

Marisco

Yes, can you not drop him off at the hossie, sign on, then go back? As for the course, I thought you only had to sign on once a fortnight? Might be wrong there, it's years since I've done it!! But if you have already signed on, on the hospital appointment date, then your away the next week, you don't sign on till the week after that?? So you should be OK, unless I'm missing something:o

Redundolita

Hubby at hospital from start of day. Appointment at Jobcentre 2.20pm. He's undergoing various tests for cancer, is self/emp and been told to write the day off.. Don't want to leave him to gnaw at his fears - he's never ill, not a wuss, but I want to be there for him. Sorry I didn't make that clear.

dmg24

Redundolita wrote: »

Hubby at hospital from start of day. Appointment at Jobcentre 2.20pm. He's undergoing various tests for cancer, is self/emp and been told to write the day off.. Don't want to leave him to gnaw at his fears - he's never ill, not a wuss, but I want to be there for him. Sorry I didn't make that clear.

How far is the hospital from the JCP? You could be there and back in an hour.

kitschkitty

spherelance wrote: »

So it's not possible for someone to go on a course and still do job searching via the internet, papers, etc?

According to the jobcentre it depends on how many hours per week they are studying for.

kitschkitty

The jobcentre can't/wont accept any reason in advance for not signing (they seem not to be able to take notes)! But if you phone up on the day in question, they will tell you that you need to sign on the next day and that your benefit payment will be delayed by a day (and not to make a habit of it)!

It's perfectly possible for you to notify the jobcentre that you will be on holiday in the UK. If you are attending a course while on holiday that is your business.

I wasn't aware that they would stop benefit for this period, so someone else would need to confirm this. I do personally know that you can be off ill up to 2 weeks twice in a year and just fill in a form for the jobcentre, (or you may need to supply a doctors note in some cases) and are still paid your JSA.

As already mentioned, if you're not due to attend the jobcentre (for any appointments, not just signing) then you don't even need to make an issue of it.

Sorry to hear your hubby is unwell, you must both be going through a lot of stress right now, and I wish you both much luck, and all the best.

dmg24

kitschkitty, why are you suggesting ways that the OP can commit fraud?

Redundolita

I took a much needed (free) break to Spain whilst claiming JSA, I simply arranged the flights around my signing on days.
Really, viktory?


Thanks to those who are trying to help. Hospital London, Jobcentre Bromley. Paid 40% tax for a number of years until recently, just want to ensure I'm benefitting now the need has arisen.

I welcome your posts but would prefer your judgement is witheld as it isn't in the least bit helpful at a time kitschkitty has correctly identified as stressful

dolita

dark_lady

The Newbie Alert is working well then..........NOT

kitschkitty

dmg24 wrote: »

kitschkitty, why are you suggesting ways that the OP can commit fraud?

I'm not, please enlighten me as to where/how you believe I am.

spherelance

dmg24 wrote: »

I am not aware that the MSE Team intended their little gesture to protect scammers.

Would a scammer discuss going on a course in a non-signing week with the JCP? It sounds, from the little info provided, that they want to make sure they aren't breaking the rules of JSA.

Yep you are right clearly a scammer :rotfl: