URGENT Jobseeker's Allowance help!

randomusername1

Hey, I currently have a job where I work on average two nights a week, often at around 15 hours, however this can change to either be less or more. I have recently been told by my parents that I need to sign onto JSA for personal reasons. I was wondering if I can sign onto JSA BUT keep my job.

I get paid in the bank, will the Job centre know about this? Or can I continue to work there and claim JSA and actively look for work?

Thanks for any help.

randomusername1

Anyone? please?

HappyMJ

You can claim JSA if you work less than 16 hours in a week but it's unlikely you will get any money out of them....but you will get National Insurance credits if your wages aren't high enough.

McKneff

But you cant have both.

AP007

randomusername1 wrote: »

Anyone? please?

You may like to leave a bit more than 10 mins for someone to reply.

marybelle01

randomusername1 wrote: »

Hey, I currently have a job where I work on average two nights a week, often at around 15 hours, however this can change to either be less or more. I have recently been told by my parents that I need to sign onto JSA for personal reasons. I was wondering if I can sign onto JSA BUT keep my job.

I get paid in the bank, will the Job centre know about this? Or can I continue to work there and claim JSA and actively look for work?

Thanks for any help.

What has it got to do with your parents? And why do you have to sign on for personal reasons? The reason to claim JSA is because you are entitled to it - or not. Personal reasons have nothing to do with it.

Retrogamer

marybelle01 wrote: »

What has it got to do with your parents? And why do you have to sign on for personal reasons? The reason to claim JSA is because you are entitled to it - or not. Personal reasons have nothing to do with it.

Perhaps it affects the parents housing or other benefits in some ways.
Or the OP may not have enough finances to live at home without depending on financial contributions from them.

randomusername1

By personal reasons, I meant that Im not entirely sure what its for, I think housing benefits though, I may be wrong. And what I mean is, can I claim the full JSA without them knowing about my job? Because If I claim JSA and get no money due to my job, then I feel like its pointless for me to go as Im getting nothing out of it.

starrystarry

Clippity clop, clippity clop...

Who's that stomping over my bridge?

HappyMJ

randomusername1 wrote: »

By personal reasons, I meant that Im not entirely sure what its for, I think housing benefits though, I may be wrong. And what I mean is, can I claim the full JSA without them knowing about my job? Because If I claim JSA and get no money due to my job, then I feel like its pointless for me to go as Im getting nothing out of it.

Without them knowing about your job?

You need to declare your income...they'll find out through either your bank statements showing credits from your employer, your employer notifying the HMRC or someone who knows you reporting you to the fraud department.

It's not pointless getting no payment. You can get some other benefits such as contributions paid if your earnings aren't enough.

pmlindyloo

You can claim JSA if you work under 16 hours a week. Any income you earn will be deducted from your JSA except for £5 a week (called a disregard)

You will need to tell them about your job as they will probably wish to see your bank statements and they will see your income. (Otherwise anyone could claim!)

I am not sure what will happen when you work more than 16 hours a week. It is possible that you would have to sign off and then make a rapid reclaim. They will advise you about this.

Even if you do not actually get any money they will pay your NI contributions. However, you would still have to sign on and adhere to your Jobseekers agreement.

https://www.gov.uk/jobseekers-allowance/overview

Depending on your age it may not be worth signing on, particularly if you could get a second job or more hours to up your income.

As regards the reason why your parents want you to claim JSA, if it is to do with their housing benefit then it is likely that your council do not make a reduction for you as a non dependent if you are on JSA.

You can check what the non dependent deductions are by going to your local council website and looking up non dependent deductions for housing benefit and council tax benefits. If the rates are not on your local council website then you will need to telephone them and ask. They are on a sliding scale - the more you earn the more that is deducted from HB and CT.

If your parents receive a non dependent deduction from their HB and CT reduction then they will be able to 'recoup' the money from the money you give them for your 'keep'.

You do not say how old you are.

Non dependent deductions are only made if you are over 18 years of age. There are also exemptions e.g. if your mum/dad receives Disability Living Allowance no non dependent deductions are made.