Signing off without work then signing back on? + housing benefit?

rupertd

Hi. I've been on job seekers allowance for 12 months and wish to sign off. I haven't found a full time job. Does anybody know if I can sign back on again later or how long I'd have to wait?

Also, I don't claim housing benefit, but if I had to in the near future, would it be effected by me signing off of JSA without having work?

Thanks in advance.

BigAunty

Not into the Work Programme then?

Caz3121

rupertd wrote: »

Hi. I've been on job seekers allowance for 12 months and wish to sign off. I haven't found a full time job. Does anybody know if I can sign back on again later or how long I'd have to wait?

Also, I don't claim housing benefit, but if I had to in the near future, would it be effected by me signing off of JSA without having work?

Thanks in advance.

If you sign back on again within 3 months then the claims will be linked.
You can claim housing benefit without having JSA, but if you have no income how would you pay bills/food. Unless you have savings they are likely to think you are working cash in hand and want to see evidence of your income

paddedjohn

Why would you sign off without a job to go to?

midnight_express

To avoid going on the work programme.

rupertd

Hi Caz3121,

So I can sign off, then if necessary, sign on after 3 months and the claim will be unlinked and reset to 0 weeks? I thought that it needed to be 6 months. Do you have a link to show this? Thank you.

So to confirm, housing benefit and jsa are unrelated, and they will not take into account that I signed off if I apply? Ps. I'd be able to pull in a small amount through pt work, should be enough to get by.

skintandscared_2

You could always carry on the part-time work, possibly get a few more hours, and not have to sign back on for JSA at all. Wouldn't that be better?

sandraroffey

you could sign off and get other p/time work and be self employed. on a low income you will still qualify for housing benefit and council tax benefit. and also MAY qualify for tax credits if you are working enough hours. much better than signing on.

rupertd

Hi all,

Thanks for the suggestions. I'm just trying to find out the situation in case it's necessary. Please stick to the questions. Thanks

Caz3121

rupertd wrote: »

So I can sign off, then if necessary, sign on after 3 months and the claim will be unlinked and reset to 0 weeks? I thought that it needed to be 6 months. Do you have a link to show this? Thank you.

think the last line here is what you are looking for
http://afraser.com/welfare/jsa.html

rupertd

Thanks Caz, that information is for New Deal though. A few more questions if someone here can help:

I've been on JSA for 6-12 months.

1. If I sign off of JSA without work, how long do I need to wait before it will be a new claim? (I believe it's 26 weeks - can someone confirm this 1st hand or with proof?)

2. By signing off without work, am I eligible to make a rapid claim?

3. If I go over 12 months and into the Work Programme, then sign off without work, how long do I need to wait before it becoming a new claim? (I've read 2 years. Does anyone have 1st hand experience or proof?)