New Enterprise Allowance scheme - My story

Andy2013

Personally not something I have had to deal with but this is indeed the case.

When you start NEA you end your JSA claim so if a joint claim is made the other half will then be a single JSA claimant, and you will get £65 for 13 weeks then down to £33 for the final 13 weeks.

Almost always its easiest to talk to the JC direct, there may be more they can offer you.

TrueBlue1965

biggeorge007, I think you will find that your money will be bumped up by Child Tax credits and Working Tax credits even if your partner does not get JSA.

Do a better off calculation or ask JCP to do one with you!

biggeorge007

Thanks for the replies, Will make an appointment at JCP to do a better off calculation.

George

paula440

Hi Everyone,
Great post I have read it with interest.
Myself and my OH went to our first NEA meeting after being referred to get all the details about it, very good and interesting BUT I have been given different answers concerning mortgage interest payments. Does anybody know whether you still get help with mortgage interest payments while on NEA for 26 weeks?
Also both of us were referred to NEA but my OH has now been told by his JC advisor that he may not get £65.00 per week only I would get it but were told at the NEA meeting that we both would get £65.00 each. He was also told that we wouldn't get any help at all for mortgage interest payments, (my JC advisor said we would get help with mortgage payments) so if both of us go on NEA all we would get is £65.00 per week between us and no help with mortgage payments.
A bit confused as to what the correct information is as we have both been told different answers.
If anybody knows the correct information would greatly appreciate it.

paula440 :-)

pinkypoopydoo

paula440 wrote: »

Hi Everyone,
Great post I have read it with interest.
Myself and my OH went to our first NEA meeting after being referred to get all the details about it, very good and interesting BUT I have been given different answers concerning mortgage interest payments. Does anybody know whether you still get help with mortgage interest payments while on NEA for 26 weeks?
paula440 :-)

Mortgage help ends when you sign off JSA.

It was the one thing that gave me nightmares, but between an increase in tax credits, and business income, it's not been too much of a stress, so far (I'm 9 months into self employment)

You should however, continue to receive help with your council tax, at least for the first year, depending on how quickly your business takes off.

something12

Andy2013 wrote: »

Certainly good to warn others but a shame yours did not work out.

To throw another hat in the ring , a lot of Job Centres ( Oxfordshire area for one ) have a policy where by if you had completed 18 months on JSA and NEA was offered as opposed to work programme , if NEA fails then you automatically get put on work programme and can not claim JSA for a set period of time after leaving NEA , this way avoiding people switching from one to another forever more.

And how long is this set period of time? Will i be wanting to slit my wrists at the thought of the duration? lol

Andy2013

Not entirely sure, when I signed of JSA I had been on it almost 18 months and my adviser told me that if NEA happened not to work out then if I was to re-sign onto JSA they would actually put me on work programme instead as JSA has a time limit and then you get put onto WP , this was another reason for me to make it work.

This I assume was true, (maybe just scare tactics !! ) but probably worth an ask at your JC.

something12

Had my first sign on date last week and obviously i didnt get any money that week, my next appointment is next week i guess i can ask then.

From 30th November 2012 to 19th April 2013 I had £225.55 to survive on, it was such a lovely time, I should have gone to prison atleast then I would have had more money spent on me.

I guess i should be expecting more of the same.

Andy2013

You know I totally agree, trying to make your own way does seem fruitless at times, sorry things didn't work out for you but don't give up .

eastendborn

Hi, I am signed up for the nea- been on the course-submitted the business plan and seen the mentor. I was told I have until 4th March to submit the plan ( whether or not I wish to amend it). The nea advisor posed questions pertaining to this such as; is there any indirect competition, and will the transport costs vary with the increase in your business ( teaching music to students).
As a mature guy aged 60- having worked since I was 15, I thought that when you get to the age of 60 that life would be less stressful. As I am now single- what with the bedroom tax inflicted on me ( as with others worse off I know)
I have lost faith in this country and the way this government in particular is treating it's citizens. I digressed-sorry,....but going back to the business plan. HTF am I supposed to know if there is any "indirect" competition other than the people I have checked out who advertise, and are known to me? And how am I to know how much extra money i will have fork out in travel expenses to ( how long's a piece of string) supposed pupils that I know are going to phone me up enquiring about my services? If I knew the answers to these questions- believe me I wouldn't be on the jolly old rock and roll- I'd be living in a tropical paradise somewhere away from all this crap after winning the lottery several times. I do apologize- I digress.
Does anyone know how long it is after the business plan submission you are expected to venture off into the unknown? Also, assuming I am accepted on the scheme ( which I might not be after venting my frustration on here : ) does anyone know if you can claim working tax credits whilst drawing the 13 weeks, and lower 13weeks money? I'd be grateful for any input. Thanks.