Joint benefit claim question

Mineus34

Hi,

I'm currently unemployed and have made a claim for JSA. However, when I went to my appointment at the JobCentre, I was told that I couldn't make an individual claim because I'm married. My wife is currently suffering from a long term illness and not able to work, but isn't a British Citizen so not able to claim any form of benefit--she does hold PR so will be able to work once she's recovered. Also, I've been living abroad for four years, so haven't paid any NI contributions and can't make an individual contributions based claim--even though I paid them plenty of tax before that!

The problem is that I need to make a joint claim with someone who isn't able to claim, which doesn't make any sense to me! Does anyone have any similar experience with this situation? Will the benefits agency just reject my wife's claim, or also reject my JSA claim because my wife is living with me and so will indirectly have access to public funds?

Many Thanks,

missapril75

I don't recall the exact details but there are joint claims - where both have to sign and be looking for work - and there are couple claims where benefits are assessed for you as a couple whether or not both sign on. They do sound like they are the same don't they? But it's important to think of them separately.

There are exemptions where both don't sign on for work (but you still claim as a couple) such as the partner caring for a young child or not being fit to work.

Presumably there's a stamp or something in her passport advising no public funds? That will help.

They would still treat you as a couple, but your benefit level would be assessed as a single person. They don't just say you're a single person and ignore her - although the end result is much the same.

The reason they do this is you'll be claiming the Income Based version and she may have resources that could affect it.

You will also come across the habitual residence test.

pmlindyloo

This is a very complicated issue because your wife is not a British Citizen and has no recourse to public funds.

There was a recent thread on here which may be useful for you to read:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4024669=

I would suggest that you will want to get some expert assistance with this.

There are links on the thread that may help you.