What happens with jobseekers allowance?

2Shy_2

I lost my job a bit ago and was told because my partner worked 40 hours per week that I did not qualify for jobseekers allowance, so we managed on his wage whilst I was looking for a job.

My partner got made redundant last month, so we claimed JSA as a couple and were accepted, although I got a letter saying I did not qualify but they could pay us as a couple.

On saturday my partner found out he had been successful with a recent interview he had and they offered him the job.

The job was advertised as 16 hours per week.

They called on monday and told him if he took the job they would need him all next week from 9am-5pm, then the week after they might not need him at all, the following week he might be needed for a few hours etc, basically a casual job if and when he is needed.

We have never been on benefits before and I was wondering what would happen with the JSA if he did take this job? clearly if they need him 9-5 for the first week it would take it over the 16 hour limit, but the next week he wouldnt be working any hours.

Just in case it matters the job is delivering leaflets for a local furniture store, I believe the job will not lead to a full time position because the leaflets are advertising the opening of their new store, so once it opens they probably wouldnt need him anymore.

rogerblack

He needs to sign off, then once the job finishes, he can do a rapid reclaim.
This can now be done online.
http://www.dwp.gov.uk/adviser/updates/online-services-for-customers/

You can't claim while he's working - as the household income is what counts.

missapril75

Is it possible that hitting 16 hours might be so irregular that an average would be more appropriate? If hours are not fixed having the JC take an average wage and average hours might be the solution.

Also worth considering are the days involved. For example, if he did Mon-Friday, 5 hours each day but no hours the week before and after and your signing day was, say, a Wednesday, then for your benefit week ending Weds it would have been 15 hours (Mon, Tues, Weds) and for the following benefit week ending Weds, just 10 (thurs and Fri), so under 16 hours for both weeks.

Something like that can mean the JC keeping the claim continuous but just splitting the wage and deducting over two weeks. No break in HB, no need for another claim. The JC don't want the inconvenience of shutting a claim down and starting it up again any more than you do. Usually.