Can I claim JSA if relocating?

randomtom

Hello,

My partner has just been offered a new job 200 miles away and we are planning to move there in 3 weeks time. This involves me leaving my current job in order to job hunt in a new city. Obviously I hope i can secure employment of some sort fairly quickly, I have a few interviews lined up already. The problem is, I cant really continue to work here until I secure a job because the recruitment agencies wont put you forward for anything unless you live locally. So my question is- can I claim JSA and/or housing allowance in the meantime?

Relocating seems like the right decision. To give a few more details, I'm currently living with my mother and we are falling out all the time and the stress is aggravating a long term health condition. I also don't feel 100% secure in my current job as we've had 2 balif visits in the last month.

As for finances, my partner will be earning £18K, we will be renting a 1 bed flat @ £900 per month, I have £9k savings (which I will have to dip into for bills, rent, car insurance etc).

Will I be able to claim support for the interim period or not?

Thanks, Tom

nannytone_2

i dont see much of an issue as you are relocating with a partner who has already secured employment.
so you have sufficient national insurance contributions for conts based JSA?

Horseunderwater

Providing you have enough NI contributions then you will be able to claim JSA for a max 6 months.

randomtom

Thanks for the replies. How much in NI contribution do you need? I've been working a min wage job full time since graduating from uni for 10 months.

pmlindyloo

randomtom wrote: »

Hello,

My partner has just been offered a new job 200 miles away and we are planning to move there in 3 weeks time. This involves me leaving my current job in order to job hunt in a new city. Obviously I hope i can secure employment of some sort fairly quickly, I have a few interviews lined up already. The problem is, I cant really continue to work here until I secure a job because the recruitment agencies wont put you forward for anything unless you live locally. So my question is- can I claim JSA and/or housing allowance in the meantime?

Relocating seems like the right decision. To give a few more details, I'm currently living with my mother and we are falling out all the time and the stress is aggravating a long term health condition. I also don't feel 100% secure in my current job as we've had 2 balif visits in the last month.

As for finances, my partner will be earning £18K, we will be renting a 1 bed flat @ £900 per month, I have £9k savings (which I will have to dip into for bills, rent, car insurance etc).

Will I be able to claim support for the interim period or not?

Thanks, Tom

Am a bit confused - sorry, but it is important. You say you have interviews lined up but the recruitment agencies will not put you forward for a job until you move there?

OK, if you could clarify that would be good.

Plus, are you talking about claiming JSA now and/or when you move?

Claiming JSA before you move - if you resigned your current job without good reason then you are likely to be sanctioned ie no money.

You cannot claim housing benefit if you live with your mother.

If you stayed in your job until you move then you would only be eligible for contribution based JSA (based on the last two years NI contributions) as your partner's income is too high for you to be entitled to income based JSA. Contribution based JSA is not means tested (doesn't matter how much household income or savings are) Even if you were eligible for contribution based JSA they still might sanction you because you resigned.

If you are entitled to contribution based JSA then you might not be sanctioned if you could show that you had made a good effort to find a job before you relocated (evidence of interviews etc.)

Sorry, it is complicated.

Ask away if you have any questions. I have to sign off but others will help.

nannytone_2

randomtom wrote: »

Thanks for the replies. How much in NI contribution do you need? I've been working a min wage job full time since graduating from uni for 10 months.

if youve only been working for 10 months then you wont get conts based JSA, and with a working partner, you wont get income related JSA either.
for conts based, you would have had to paid NI contributions in BOTH tax years 11/12 and 12/13

randomtom

OK to clarify, I have one definite interview sorted for a job I found myself advertised online. I am also in contact with 3 agencies who are considering me for various roles but are reluctant to put me forward because I do not live in the area.

I am only intending to claim support after I resign from my current job and relocate as I do not know how long it will take to find something new.

As far as my work history goes, I would have made some NI contributions over the years through various part time jobs from before, during, and after uni.

nannytone_2

you should ring HMRC and find out what contributions you have made.
part time work, unless well paid is unlikely to have paid contributions.
the relevant tax years are 11/12 and 12/13

fannyadams

you can apply on line to see if you have paid enough NI contributions.

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/ni/intro/online-statement.htm