Couple with baby, do we both need to sign on JSA?

JohnyBM

pmlindyloo wrote: »

You are likely to be entitled to some redundancy pay if you have worked for 'many years' even if your company is going bankrupt.

See here;
This may well alter your entitlement to benefits.

Another question - sorry

Why do you say that you will be applying for income based JSA?

Haven't you being paying your NI contributions while you have been working or weren't you an employee?

Yes I have been self employed officially. I was doing pretty much the same as those who were employed there. But no redundancy pay.

I am trying to search the answer to my question about how old the baby has to be for the mum to have to sign on as well, but there is nothing yet.

I would be very grateful if someone could tell me.

cte1111

I don't think there are any rules about age of a baby for signing on. You can either both sign on if you are both looking for work, or you sign on but claim an extra amount for having dependants, e.g. your wife.

JohnyBM

cte1111 wrote: »

I don't think there are any rules about age of a baby for signing on. You can either both sign on if you are both looking for work, or you sign on but claim an extra amount for having dependants, e.g. your wife.

Thanks so why do some couples both sign on?

zagfles

You sign on. You'll probably get contribution based JSA, but you'll also be able to get about £40 extra in income based JSA for your wife, assuming no other income/savings.

She doesn't need to sign on.

zagfles

JohnyBM wrote: »

Thanks so why do some couples both sign on?

If they're both looking for work. Also if they both have contribution records and are both looking for work, they can both get contribution based JSA (ie £71 each).

epitome

JohnyBM wrote: »

Thanks all. I am still confused.

Very simple question. If only I sign on, will I get less JSA than if we both go and sign on?

Listen johny, you are confusing yourself and being confused by others

The answer to your simple question is that you will claim JSA Income Based in your name. You will get JSA at the rate of £111.45 per week*. Your partner will not need to sign on it is entirely voluntary for her to sign on, if she signs on, there would be no extra money

*The main thing which could stop this from happening is that you get a redundancy payment of more than £6000

Is the child benefit in your partners name? YES or NO?
if yes, then she is getting her national insurance paid for her.

The only couples who have to both sign on are those without children and it is then called a "joint claim".