Bit of a strange one...

doodoot

I'm job hunting at the moment - I've applied for 3 teaching assistant jobs today.

However, one of them doesn't start until September next year.

I'm currently a full time student and I won't be graduating until June next year.

So here's a hypothetical question for all of you benefit experts:

If I get the September start job, would I still be able to claim any benefits to see me through June to the start date?

To my way of understanding, I wouldn't be eligible for benefits due to having a job even though technically it doesn't start for some weeks after graduating.

My friend says the opposite and reckons I should be able to claim something...so who is right?

(Fingers crossed it's me...there's a bar of chocolate resting on this )

Thanks!

j.e.j.

hmm, not an 'expert' but I'd think if you wanted to claim JSA between June and September you'd have to be down as 'looking for work', even if it's temp work.

kingfisherblue

I agree with j.e.j. - you would have to be actively seeking work in order to claim JSA. You could either look for temp work after you graduate and sign on if you don't find anything, or look for work before you graduate and work over summer in a holiday club, kid's camp, etc. Councils that run summer holiday playschemes advertise from April onwards (timing depends on the council), and either this or holiday camp work with kids would be ideal if you are going to be a TA - you will meet all types of children and it would be good experience, as well as some cash. If you can get onto a playscheme for disabled children, it could be even more beneficial, as TAs often help pupils with learning difficulties.