Income Support or JSA

waterman3

I work under 16 hours per week and so i am entitled to either JSA or Income Support.

I'm not sure which one i'd be better off claiming. Can you just take your pick?

Might i also get some Council Tax or Housing Benefit? Would you only get that if you were on JSA?

If anyone can shed some light, i'd be very grateful

Cheers

nannytone_2

it all depends on your circumstances. are you single or living with a partner? so you have children? if so how old are they?

assuming you are single and are working less than 16 hours a week, you would claim JSA. you would have a £5 disregard and then they stop the JSA £ for £.
you would qualify for housing/council tax benefit, presuming you werent living with a parent or close family member.

really need full information to answer properly.

waterman3

hey, thanks

I'm single, live on my own. don't have children.

what did you mean "then they would stop your JSA £ for £? and what's a £5 disregard?

thanks

nannytone_2

your age is important too .. and do you live in social housing or a private let?

say for instance you work 10 hours a week at £6 per hour. a weekly wage of £60.
£5 would be disregarded and the other £55 would be subtracted from your JSA.

if you rent privately and are under 25 (soon to be 35) you would only be entitled for the 'shared' rate of LHA.

you really do need to be more specific.
do you have any disabilities?

waterman3

I'm 33. have a mortgaged property and not disabled.

HappyMJ

waterman3 wrote: »

I'm 33. have a mortgaged property and not disabled.

If you are looking for work then claim JSA. You won't get housing benefit but could get some help with the interest on your mortgage from the DWP.

chesky369

Why are you eligible for IS? If you don't have children and aren't disabled why aren't you able to work - or at least look for work?

chesky369

Sorry, many apologies, forgot you work 16 hours.

karenx

Income support is for lone parents or sick/disabled. So this wont apply to you
Claim JSA if you are activly seeking full time employment

No housing benefit as you have a mortgage.

bobajob_1966

karenx wrote: »

Income support is for lone parents or sick/disabled. So this wont apply to you
Claim JSA if you are activly seeking full time employment

No housing benefit as you have a mortgage.

Whilst they cannot claim HB, they may be eligible for help with mortgage interest through the SMI Scheme.