Signing on Question

mjc1976

After 3 and a half years of hell, I've finally got myself a part time job (not ideal, but gift horse and all that). im contracted for 11.5 hours a week, but it's bar work and occassionally, there are a few more hours and rarely a lot more (due to holidays, etc)

now, after 2 or 3 weeks, i signed off as i didnt see the point in continuing to do so when a: every so often i would have to sign off again due to hours going over 16, and b: i wasnt actually getting anything due to my wage just being over what the jsa is

however, someone mentioned something about NI payments? whats the score with this? should i be signing back on? i will be honest, i have no idea whats what when it comes to NI

thanks

pmlindyloo

mjc1976 wrote: »

After 3 and a half years of hell, I've finally got myself a part time job (not ideal, but gift horse and all that). im contracted for 11.5 hours a week, but it's bar work and occassionally, there are a few more hours and rarely a lot more (due to holidays, etc)

now, after 2 or 3 weeks, i signed off as i didnt see the point in continuing to do so when a: every so often i would have to sign off again due to hours going over 16, and b: i wasnt actually getting anything due to my wage just being over what the jsa is

however, someone mentioned something about NI payments? whats the score with this? should i be signing back on? i will be honest, i have no idea whats what when it comes to NI

thanks

If you sign on then you will receive NI credits (which are like NI contributions and will go towards your pension and other benefits.)

However, as you have found, you have to be available for work, work under 16 hours a week and adhere to your job seekers agreement.

There is something called a Rapid Reclaim (see here: https://www.gov.uk/jobseekers-allowance/how-to-claim) which would probably be useful for you.

Any possibility of getting a second part time job?

mjc1976

yh, ive not stopped looking for work.

how would they be with the reclaim with signing on and off all the time?

pmlindyloo

mjc1976 wrote: »

yh, ive not stopped looking for work.

how would they be with the reclaim with signing on and off all the time?

As far as I am aware there is no limit to the number of times you can do a rapid reclaim. You will only need to do it when you go over the hours limit if you are still looking for work.