JSA - why cant my girlfriend claim?

lukerichardson40

Hi all,

Sorry if this is in the wrong place, please feel free to move if needed.

Long story short... my girlfriend is out of work and had tried to claim JSA while she finds another job. They say she has not paid enough national insurance (I think) to be able to claim that type of JSA (she worked minimum wage at a care home and did not get many shifts). So when asked about the other type they said she is not allowed to claim that either because she lives with me and I work...

What I would like to know is if this is right? She genuinely needs help but cant get it. As much I would love to be able to support her times are tight.

Thank you for any input, as usual I am sure the MSE users will come through with great advice.

Luke

thriftylass

I thinks that's right. Although you have no rights like married people as co-habitating couple you're meant to support her. I didn't get JSA for the same reason as I lived with my then BF and he earned money.

Torry_Quine

That's correct. If you haven't enough contributions than income based takes into account household income. As you work then she gets no money but can sign on and get NI credits.

lukerichardson40

Thanks guys.

Seems strange as they never asked my income. I will get her to look in to the NI credit thing and I imagine there will be something to help with council tax too.

The system seems nuts to me but then I suppose I dont know enough about it. Shows like that 'skint' just make me think why can some folks live on benefits all their lives, but when a normal hard working person needs help they cant get it! But I am sure that is the minority.

Not to worry. Thanks again.

Torry_Quine

lukerichardson40 wrote: »

Thanks guys.

Seems strange as they never asked my income. I will get her to look in to the NI credit thing and I imagine there will be something to help with council tax too.

The system seems nuts to me but then I suppose I dont know enough about it. Shows like that 'skint' just make me think why can some folks live on benefits all their lives, but when a normal hard working person needs help they cant get it! But I am sure that is the minority.

Not to worry. Thanks again.

If you are earning more than £111 per week then that cancels out any JSA so they don't really need to know your actual earnings. For NI credits she just claims JSA as normal but will just get credits and no money.

harrys_dad

Many are confused by the two types of JSA, contribution based and income based. As explained above "contribution based" depends on how much NI she has contributed in the last two tax years. If she qualifies she will be entitled to this for 6 months irrespective of income. There is some really clear information in this thread

http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?361116-Calculation-for-Contribution-Based-JSA

Income Based JSA is means tested and depends on the circumstances of you both as a couple (assuming you are a couple living together). You can do a quick benefit check on the calculator here

http://www.entitledto.co.uk/

it is essential she registers for JSA, even if she has zero entitlement, so that she gets her NI contribution paid.

ohreally

harrys_dad wrote: »

it is essential she registers for JSA, even if she has zero entitlement, so that she gets her NI contribution paid.

Personally I wouldn't jump through hoops for NI conts, however i accept that some individuals need is greater then others (she has her working life ahead to build up conts).

lukerichardson40

Thanks guys.

She lives between my house and her parents house. All her post (bank statements etc) go to her parents house. I work away so she is with me when I am home and at her parents when I am away. Not sure if that makes any difference really.

Anyways, thanks very much, I will get her to take a look at the NI issue and take it from there.

Torry_Quine

lukerichardson40 wrote: »

Thanks guys.

She lives between my house and her parents house. All her post (bank statements etc) go to her parents house. I work away so she is with me when I am home and at her parents when I am away. Not sure if that makes any difference really.

Anyways, thanks very much, I will get her to take a look at the NI issue and take it from there.

Where for instance is she on the electoral roll?

they are obviously considering you as a couple for benefit purposes but if you aren't actually living together that may not be the case

harrys_dad

It sounds to me as if you may not be classed as "cohabiting", so it may be worth posting on the benefits board to get some better advice on that specific issue there. If you are not deemed to be cohabiting then she is entitled to JSA. Has she actually applied or just been fobbed off? if she makes a proper application then a proper reason has to be given for denying it, such as "cohabiting", and then she can appeal against this.

Certain key issues are whether you and she are linked financially, does she keep clothes at your house, how often does she stay over, etc etc. Each case is different.

dancingfairy

Not sure it would make much difference where she lived. If she lives at home then her parents would be expected to support her surely and if she lives with you then you'd be expected to support her?
df