Signing on

jkm2000

Hi there,

I have graduated a month ago and I am between the job search. I am spending so much money travelling to jobs, getting suits etc yet no income coming in. I am thinking of signing on. What I am worried about is my nearest city is a fair distance away so I will be moving out of parents home and renting a place if I get a job...

I am wondering, if I sign on will it affect a credit check or affect me in anyway when trying to rent?

I have had a credit card since 18, now 22. Have a £2000 limit, never missed a payment and always pay above minimum, about £200 on that so nothing crazy. Also have a student overdraft since 18 and never gone above the agreed amount of overdraft. Also have another overdraft of £1000 with my bank (not interest free) and not being used at all... Also had 2 phone contracts and never missed a payment on those. I ensure I keep my credit clear even if that means struggling to afford food whilst at university. So I wouldn't want to sign on and then find I cannot get a rental contract anywhere. Please advise.

A_Couple_In_Love

jkm2000 wrote: »

Hi there,

I have graduated a month ago and I am between the job search. I am spending so much money travelling to jobs, getting suits etc yet no income coming in. I am thinking of signing on. What I am worried about is my nearest city is a fair distance away so I will be moving out of parents home and renting a place if I get a job...

I am wondering, if I sign on will it affect a credit check or affect me in anyway when trying to rent?

I have had a credit card since 18, now 22. Have a £2000 limit, never missed a payment and always pay above minimum, about £200 on that so nothing crazy. Also have a student overdraft since 18 and never gone above the agreed amount of overdraft. Also have another overdraft of £1000 with my bank (not interest free) and not being used at all... Also had 2 phone contracts and never missed a payment on those. I ensure I keep my credit clear even if that means struggling to afford food whilst at university. So I wouldn't want to sign on and then find I cannot get a rental contract anywhere. Please advise.

Claiming JSA will have no effect on renting a house in the future. It will only have effect if you are renting WHILE claiming JSA and HB because landlords want a secure income from you.

But don't worry to much about that, as many landlords do accept unemployed claiming benefits, that includes myself.

Mersey_2

Claiming JSA leaves no imprint on your credit score, as it's an entitlement rather than a loan.

The only way you have to prove your ID is by taking eg a passport or debit card along to your first appointment with the JobCentre.

In case you're unaware, claims for JSA are now made online:

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

You're best claiming asap, as the claim will begin from the day you claim (ie today); but, there is a 'waiting period' of 7 days before payment accrues.

It should only take you 15 mins.