Graduate JSA + JSA Abroad

WelshSun

Hey!

Im graduating university this summer and was wondering when can you actually claim JSA from? So many sources say different things, some say when you finish your course (i.e in May), some say in July and others Septmeber.
Ive applied to probabaly around 100 graduate jobs to no success

Also, I am planning on going to Poland in August/ September. I have heared (from a Daily Mail article ironically) that if you look for work abroad then you can still claim JSA. Is this true and is this easy to do?

Thanks, Sun!

MrsManda

You can claim JSA from the official last day of your course - this isn't the last day of your exams but when the university says the last day of the academic term is.
This is because your student finance package is meant to cover you to the end of your final term.

This information can be found in the DWP guidance here:
http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/dmgch30.pdf section 30367

I don't know much about claiming JSA abroad but the details on the direct.gov.uk website suggest it's possible to claim contributions based JSA but not income based.

Jobseeker's Allowance
Information about contribution-based and income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) if you are moving or living abroad.

Contribution-based JSA
You cannot usually get contribution-based JSA outside the EEA. However, you may be able to get contribution-based JSA in the EEA for up to three months if you:
are entitled to contribution-based JSA on the day you go abroad
have registered as a jobseeker for at least four weeks before you leave
are available for work and actively seeking work in Great Britain up to the day you leave
are going abroad to look for work
register for work at the equivalent of a Jobcentre in the country you are going to
comply with the other country's rules on registering and looking for work

Income-based JSA
If you are going abroad permanently you cannot get income-based JSA.
You cannot usually get income-based JSA if your stay abroad is only temporary.
Check with your local Jobcentre office if you need to fill in any forms before you go abroad.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/BritonsLivingAbroad/Moneyabroad/DG_4000102

midnight_express

You cannot claim UK JSA if you are abroad. You can calim it if you are in this country and applying for jobs abroad. You have to sign on at your local job centre once every two weeks.