Completely new to benefits, need some help!

2ba3c

I wanted to find out whether I may be entitled to JSA.

Background: I work 15 hours a week and am civilly partnered to an American who is on a very good salary. Do they take my wifes earnings into consideration?

I left my job in November, to go to the States and get married and because we were pursing a legal case out there. Now that has finished, we have been back in the UK since January and I only started working the 15 hours a week in April.

We have a child living with us (my wife's child from a previous r'ship), who is also here on a visa, that says they cant claim any benefits (we dont want to for them - Im just giving you the background)

Any help or advice would be appreciated, this is a complete minefield.

Thank you

2B

cte1111

As you are working, you won't be able to claim JSA.

As your wife has a child, as a family you may be able to claim tax credits. Not sure if this would fall under the category of benefits as far as the visa is concerned, but it is worth a try applying I would have thought. I think you would need to increase your average working hours per week to 16 though. Maybe have a look at the Up Your Income boards for ideas of other work you could do on a self employed basis to increase your hours (and income). Mystery shopping might be worth a go, I do it and it helps with our finances.

2ba3c

Thank you for your reply, I do appreciate it.

I am still slightly confused though, I'm working less than 16 hours a week (at 15 hours), I thought that was the threshold for applying for JSA?

viktory

JSA is for those seeking work. If you are working and wish to claim JSA they will deduct what you are earning, after the first £5. As JSA is only £65 a week, it is likely you'll not end up with much. Further to this, any claim for means tested benefits will take into account all other income - this includes what your partner is earning. The exception is with contribution based JSA - this is paid for 6 months, regardless of other income, if you have paid the necessary NI contributions (two full tax years of contributions).

allen35

For information purposes JSA has risen to £67.50

2ba3c

Thank you for your help.