Can i sign on ?

elly2

Hi I started a job in June 0 hr contract and so far have had hours that I was able to work (16 hrs per week). I am unable to do the hours they have gave me this week sun 7-6 due to childcare issues ,informed the office about this and also explained i needed 16 hrs to be able to continue claiming working tax, they told me there were no hours available. I have just had a look at my rota for next week and there is no work available the next shift they have me in for is the 23rd of oct and that is only for four hrs, obviously i cant live on this wage and i am starting to stress big time as to how i'm going to be able to pay my living costs, can i sign on ? if i sign back on will my payments be affected? i have been applying for other jobs so can show that i have been seeking other employment.

sniggings

yes, you can claim JSA and work upto 16 hours but they will take anything you earn off your benefits pound for pound, but let you keep the first £5 earned.

Income support maybe an option for you too.

elly2

Hi thanks for that i currently claim working tax so i imagine that will stop if i start claimimg JSA i cant claim income support as my youngest son is now 7. i'm just slightly concerened that if i claim JSA and they give me some hours to take me back up to 16 in the future that i will be forever signing on and off the stress of not knowing if i can afford to pay my bills/feed my kids each week is really getting to me. I have spoke to the office about some regular hours/shifts but so far it just is not happening, they say to ring in each day and pick up the unallocated but tyring to sort childcare out is a nightmare, lets hope i hear some good news about my job interviews/applications soon.