Would a JSA rapid reclaim effect a New Enterprise Allowance application

LittleMonster

I've been on Jobseekers for 26 weeks and recently took a short temp role (2 weeks) which ended up taking be over the specified 16 hours and meant my claim had to be closed and re-opened with a rapid reclaim. Prior to the work I had started thinking about becoming self employed and, after looking at the Jobseekers website, have found out that having been job seeking for 6 months and could be eligible to apply for a New Enterprise Allowance. However does the fact my claim was closed and re-opened mean that I technically haven't been claiming for 26 weeks and therefore am not eligible to apply for the New Enterprise Allowance?

As ever the jobseeker website seems to have very little on it thats useful and I'm now really confused! Help?

:think:

LittleMonster

Ok, just thought I'd pop back and put a response to this in case any one else is in the same situation.

In short the answer is yes, once you're claim has been closed even if you have rapid reclaimed you are no longer eligable to apply for the New Enterprise Allowance.

When I spoke to the people at the Job Centre I was told that the 26 claim has to be continuous and there is no flexibility on this. So the fact that my claim was closed 3 days before my 26 weeks was up means I can no longer apply for the NEA

timmillea

Thanks for that and yes, I was in a similar but not identical position. The difference for me was that I signed off to go to Greece on holiday and therefore, unlike you, I was continuously unemployed (and even able and willing to return immediately if an interview or job offer arose, checked email and the web everyday, etc.). I was counting down the days to being able to be referred for NEA mentoring (after 13 weeks) only to be told that the clock had been reset because I had left the country! Rest assured it does not get reset for the forced labour scheme after a total of 12 months linked claims.

I have another holiday coming up and accept the only way to get on NEA, and therefore off Jobseekers Allowance, is not to leave the country for a single night even if you are still available and looking for work, and, of course not to accept any sort of temporary job. Are the incentives in the right place here?