Part Time working whilst on JSA

wornout_woman

I currently receive contribution based JSA. I have been told by my adviser that if I work part time I can only work for 16 hours a week, anything above is classed as full time and my benefit will be stopped. my questions are that if I keep to the 16 hours, is what I earn deducted from my JSA benefit, and what if I earn more than the allocated JSA during this 16 hours, do I end up owing the DWP money because I have earned more than my JSA benefit.

dancingfairy

It used to be that you could keep something like the first 5 pounds of you wages and then it was deducted from your jobseekers on a sliding scale. You won't end up owing them money (As long as you tell them about your work).
df

stix62

I think the only benefit to you signing on whilst working 16 hours is DWP would pay your N.I. conts.

You can earn a small amount whilst on j.s.a without it effecting anything but you have to tell them about it (I dunno how much it is - I thought it was about £20?!) Above that they will deduct penny for penny from your miserable state 'handout'.

Lol, you wouldn't end up owing them money for earning more than J.S.A but don't go giving this lousy government any ideas

wilkies5

Any earnings you receive will be deducted from the £55 a week they award you. So if you have part time earnings over that it will reduce your JSA to nil. However, continuing to sign on...whilst not actually receiving any money...still entitles you to get your NI stamp paid.

But I have just found out that if you work a minimum of 16hrs per week you can put a claim in for Working Tax Credit...which will also pay your NI stamp.

So in effect, what they take away with one hand they may well credit back with another!

wornout_woman

Just wanted to say thanks for all your valuable advice.

skater_kat

isn't it true though, that jsa conts based, is not means tested so your income is irrelevant? only income based jsa would be reduced? perhaps ask in the benefits section....

dancingfairy

You can go to a benefits checker and put various different scenarios through it to see what you would get.
df

SailorSam

If you wanted to work, if it were me i'd rather do voluntary work for nothing than 'a proper job' and receive a pittance if it meant losing your Jsa.

~Beanie~

skater_kat wrote: »

isn't it true though, that jsa conts based, is not means tested so your income is irrelevant? only income based jsa would be reduced? perhaps ask in the benefits section....

Not its not true. Your earnings are still deducted from your JSA (minus the first £5) as mentioned above. You can only work up to 16 hours per week.