Claiming JSA after travelling?

chefchao

Hi I left my job in September to go travelling around south america for 3 months, once I return to UK in December I will have no money left while looking for work.

I´m hoping one of the agencies I´ve worked with in the past will be able to give me something short term. If not my only option is to sign on.

My question is, I´ve heard that if you voluntarily leave your work you cannot claim JSA for 6 months, is this true in all cases or does it depend on circumstances?

Cheers

rogerblack

It is not the case in all circumstances.
However, if you left your secure job in order to travel round South America, then yes, it will be.

You may in principle be entitled to hardship JSA.

_ANY_ job will reset this, even one days employment.
(as long as you don't leave it voluntarily or get sacked through gross misconduct.

missapril75

And if you do apply, make sure you have some money to tide yourself over while your claim is being sorted so you don't ask them to give your claim priority over those who haven't made such choices.

chefchao

Ok so it's case dependent then? Anyone else been in this situation?

I'm doing my very best to leave myself some cash for when I return but it will be maximum £2-300

Will also be contacting agencies via skype before I return to try and get something at least short term organised.

JSA is my last resort but I need to be realistic here.

Thanks

missapril75

Maybe take a look at the 'hardship' threads. You might find something close enough to get a better idea.

There are several factors that would come into play. Bottom line is there is a reduced rate (the Hardship JSA) if the worst happens.

Keep back what you can and good luck.

chefchao

Thanks for the advice

Doing my best now to leave some cash for returning, have skipped machu pichhu and other sites I wanted to see.. been in contact with a few agencies re work for when I return.

Does anyone know how long it takes from applying online for JSA until your first appointment? Going to apply online before I leave if I can time it right, save waiting about when I return.

Cheers

thorsoak

chefchao wrote: »

Thanks for the advice

Im doing my best now to leave some cash for returning, have even skipped machu pichhu.. contacted a few agencies re work for when I return.

Does anyone know how long it takes from applying online for JSA until your first appointment? Going to apply online before I leave if I can time it right, save waiting about when I return home.

Cheers

Even skipped Machu Pichh......how very restrained of you! I would suggest that your budgeting takes into account the fact that you will have to pay rent (or does the hotel of Mum & Dad keep a room free) and support yourself for three months or so when you get back - so delay your trip until you have that amount saved.

Otherwise your ego trip will be funded by the poor beleagured rest of us who cannot even afford a trip to the Isle of Wight!

RAS

chefchao wrote: »

Thanks for the advice

Im doing my best now to leave some cash for returning, have even skipped machu pichhu.. contacted a few agencies re work for when I return.

Does anyone know how long it takes from applying online for JSA until your first appointment? Going to apply online before I leave if I can time it right, save waiting about when I return home.

Cheers

If you are only working on temporary contracts, they cannot sanction you if leave when the contract ends.

jacques_chirac

RAS wrote: »

If you are only working on temporary contracts, they cannot sanction you if leave when the contract ends.

They can if the contract would have been renewed.

chefchao

thorsoak wrote: »

Even skipped Machu Pichh......how very restrained of you! I would suggest that your budgeting takes into account the fact that you will have to pay rent (or does the hotel of Mum & Dad keep a room free) and support yourself for three months or so when you get back - so delay your trip until you have that amount saved.

Otherwise your ego trip will be funded by the poor beleagured rest of us who cannot even afford a trip to the Isle of Wight!

In the quiet words of the virgin mary. ... Come Again?

Ok Dad....who pi55ed in your cornflakes?

Im shamefaced you cannot venture to the Isle of Wight..... I really am.
Ive grafted and saved for this for near on two years to make this happen.
You make it sound like your the most unfortunate soul to be spat out upon this earth... get over yourself.

What use is dwelling "oh I could/should/would of done this"??... Ill tell you, about as much use as an ashtray on a bike.

Im here now and thats that. I know things will work out no matter what the outcome when I return, its not that hard to pick up temp work until I get something concrete.

Maybe Im a bit more prone to taking risks than yourself, who knows... you sound a bit humdrum

Really got your knickers in a twist mate
:kisses3:

midnight_express

It usually takes about 3 to 4 weeks to process a new claim. You can be sanctioned for up to 26 weeks for having made yourself unemployed.