Jobseeker's Entitlements

Darrensgirl31

I was laid off from my job back in November and have been desperately searching for work ever since. Losing the will, I swallowed my pride and signed on for Jobseekers Allowance. It's part income-based, part contributions. I was wondering if anybody knows if I would be entitled to free college courses? The woman at the job centre wasn't very helpful. If I've got double the competition out there I want my CV to jump up and hit them! Also, would I be entitled to free swimming/gym? I've spent the last few months sat in front of a computer applying for every job and recruitment agency and I need to get out and have a life! Easier said than done when you can't afford to do anything. Would appreciate your advice. Thanks.

Lady_gaga

you need to be on JSA for about 26 weeks before you qualify for any courses etc usually.
Free gym and swimming? lol where do I sign up!!!??? lol

MrsManda

Your local leisure centre 'may' run a scheme where if you get certain benefits you can get discounts on swimming/gym but it's by no means universal. You'd need to speak to them.

Dognobs

Be very careful when asking for courses in the job centre you may end up on A4E!

kingfisherblue

My local council has a scheme whereby you can get a card that entitles you to half price swimming, gym, etc at certain times of the day if you are on certain benefits (including JSA), but it is a local, not national scheme.

For courses, as well as looking at college, community centres sometimes have courses that you might want to attend. In my area, community centres offer a wide variety and many are free. Some courses are accreditied, others are not, so it is worth checking.

Oldernotwiser

I don't think there's any such thing as "part income-based, part contributions" JSA.

Jezminda

Open University is sometimes free if you're on JSA. Not gym or swim though, tbf it's expensive but just not happening!

Oldernotwiser

Jezminda wrote: »

Open University is sometimes free if you're on JSA. Not gym or swim though, tbf it's expensive but just not happening!

All OU courses will be funded by loans rather than means tested grants from September.

skintandscared_2

Lots of gyms and local council leisure centres do brilliant off-peak deals for people who can go during normal working hours. Plus the gym is a lot emptier then - bonus!

Vejovis

walking is free if you want to get out and fitter.

Dognobs

Vejovis wrote: »

walking is free if you want to get out and fitter.

Here you can also have some AIR for free!