don't get income based jsa what can I do now?

worried_partner

Hi, my partner has just been told his contribution based jsa is about to run out and as I work full time we don't qualify for income based even tho I'm on a low wage. Can anyone help as to what we can try and claim to keep a roof over our heads? Thanks

Firefox1975

Drum roll please.........................................

Your OH gets a job?

(Sorry OP, couldn't resist it, although sometimes the most obvious things are overlooked!)

pmlindyloo

worried_partner wrote: »

Hi, my partner has just been told his contribution based jsa is about to run out and as I work full time we don't qualify for income based even tho I'm on a low wage. Can anyone help as to what we can try and claim to keep a roof over our heads? Thanks

Without knowing all your circumstances it is difficult to say.

Age? Children? Renting? Own place? Your income?

You can put your details into www.turn2us.org.uk (click on Benefits on banner and then you will see the benefits calculator) to get an idea of what you may be entitled to.)

worried_partner

Thanks, he has tried to get a job but failed. I am 24 he is 38 and we have a mortgage, no kids and my income is £15279 p/a. Any help would be appreciated thanks.

skintandscared_2

OK, he needs to seriously "up" the job search if he isn't already. Obviously that's the best way to sort out your situation. Have you analysed your outgoings and made any possible cuts? The debtfreewannabe section is brilliant for advice on minimising your spending. If you fill out a statement of account (SOA) they can really help shave off unnecessary outgoings.

BigAunty

If you do not qualify for further benefits according to the above calculator, such as council tax discount or working tax credits, for example, then I can't identify any other benefits you may qualify for without dependents or disabilities.

If so, what you then have is a budgeting rather than benefits issue so I would encourage you to download the MSE budget planner and work through the site to identify how to slash household expenses to try and make up, or more than make up, the tenner a day lost now the JSA has ceased, though I appreciate it was perhaps around a quarter or so of your net income.

If you have debts, look at the Debt Management section of the Direct Gov website and post on the MSE debt free wanabee board - they are very good at analysing household spending and suggesting quick remedies. If you are worried about mortgage arrears or repossession, see the Shelter website which has a section to help struggling property owners.