Go On JSA Or Stay On Tax Credits?

ConfusedFreelancer_2

Hi all,

I've just signed up here and it's my first (probably of many!) post.

I've worked freelance for a company for over 6 years and on the 10th of Dec, I was told I would have no work until February, but this is not guaranteed.

I may well have work then, but I don't think it will be as regular an income as it once was, more scraps of money here and there. So I'm looking for a more stable job at present.

The problem I'm having right now is, I signed up for JSA on the 10th of Dec and my claim is live. However, because I have a 4-week run on with my working/child tax credits, ending on the 7th of Jan, I am not entitled to any JSA right now.

I am wondering if it is even worth my while going on JSA, or just staying on working/child tax credits until I find another job.

I have applied for housing benefit, but still not received anything from them as the fact I am on this tax credits run on has caused them some confusion. And I imagine if I am to then transfer to JSA after the 7th, it'll get even more tricky for them.

Would I be entitled to pretty much the same amount of housing/council tax benefit if I stayed on tax credits (£147 per week child and working combined) or would I be better off going on JSA?

I'm pretty confident I can find a job in January, I'll do most things so I'm really not picky!

Any advice would be greatly appreciated... Thanks

Coming soon... Priority debt help!

paddedjohn

Working tax credits are for a worker, the clue is in the title.

nannytone_2

wprking tax credit isnt only calculated on income, but by number of hours worked.

if after the 4 week run on, youre not working, then you cant claim working tax credits

UsetheFORCE

nannytone wrote: »

working tax credit isnt only calculated on income, but by number of hours worked.

if after the 4 week run on, youre not working, then you cant claim working tax credits

The working tax credits will be deducted from your first payment of JSA... so if you are getting single rate JSA, you will get virtually nothing in your first payment.

I have been in a similar situation and I stayed on WTC/CTC, albeit not legally but hey ho......

As for HB, the run on won't affect your claim as the income is offset anyway....

zagfles

You can get CTC with JSA, CTC is claimable regardless of whether you work or not.