Jobseekers Allowance

Girl3245

A little backstory; I'm 23 years old, live with my mum who is a pensioner. We're in a council house, her rent and council tax is paid for her. I did not have to contribute to the rent or council tax because i was at university and thus in fulltime education. I've just graduated, so I'm no longer in education and the amount of rent and council tax deducted for my mum is going to reduce, as I'll be expected to pay.

I'm jobhunting at the moment in order to save up before going back to complete a PGCE and go onto teaching. However, being unemployed i'm expected to pay the rent and council tax.

My question is, do I have to go onto jobseekers in order to maintain the rent and council tax is paid for the house? Or can I tell them i'm unemployed. I'm not comfortable going onto jobseekers until i find a job, because i don't feel i've earnt my right to claim money so easily yet, especially at 23.
I'm wondering if simply telling the council i'm not earning is enough, or do i have to go onto jobseekers to prove this?


I'd just like to reiterate at the bottom as i've had a few obnoxious replies on other posts on this website; this is NOT me saying i don't want a job..i'm looking with no success.

paragon909

Girl3245 wrote: »

A little backstory; I'm 23 years old, live with my mum who is a pensioner. We're in a council house, her rent and council tax is paid for her. I did not have to contribute to the rent or council tax because i was at university and thus in fulltime education. I've just graduated, so I'm no longer in education and the amount of rent and council tax deducted for my mum is going to reduce, as I'll be expected to pay.

I'm jobhunting at the moment in order to save up before going back to complete a PGCE and go onto teaching. However, being unemployed i'm expected to pay the rent and council tax.

My question is, do I have to go onto jobseekers in order to maintain the rent and council tax is paid for the house? Or can I tell them i'm unemployed. I'm not comfortable going onto jobseekers until i find a job, because i don't feel i've earnt my right to claim money so easily yet, especially at 23.
I'm wondering if simply telling the council i'm not earning is enough, or do i have to go onto jobseekers to prove this?


I'd just like to reiterate at the bottom as i've had a few obnoxious replies on other posts on this website; this is NOT me saying i don't want a job..i'm looking with no success.

Whilst on JSA your not expected to pay rent etc while living with a parent until your 25.

If you claim anything like ESA then you will need to pay rent.

yeah i had some obnoxious replies when i asked about my ESA, People think they work for DWP or atos and they think they have a right to question your full life to give an answer to a basic question.

Indie_Kid

There's some information here - http://www.tameside.gov.uk/housingbenefit/nondependentdeductions

McKneff

JSA is there to help you with your living expenses.


What are you going to live on, fresh air.


You cant expect your mum to feed and clothe you and pay for extra water, gas electric while you are living there. That is what your JSA is for .....

Mojisola

Girl3245 wrote: »

I'm jobhunting at the moment

I'm not comfortable going onto jobseekers until i find a job, because i don't feel i've earnt my right to claim money so easily yet, especially at 23.

JSA is there for people who are looking for work. You are looking for work.

It's a good sign that you'd rather not claim but you are entitled and it's the only way you will get any help with the rent.

Good luck with the job hunting.

Girl3245

McKneff wrote: »

JSA is there to help you with your living expenses.


What are you going to live on, fresh air.


You cant expect your mum to feed and clothe you and pay for extra water, gas electric while you are living there. That is what your JSA is for .....

I have money from student loans received in April which i use to pay my keep, clothe myself and support myself. Not 100% sure why your remarks were necessary when my question had nothing to do with food and bills. But thank you for confirming my worry of obnoxious responses was justified.

Mojisola wrote: »

JSA is there for people who are looking for work. You are looking for work.

It's a good sign that you'd rather not claim but you are entitled and it's the only way you will get any help with the rent.

Good luck with the job hunting.

Thank you for answering my question! I know that I'm entitled but it isn't something I'm comfortable doing, but as long as I know its a temporary solution i will have to grin and soldier on! Thanks again

nannytone_2

mckneff wasnt being obnoxious at all. just pointing out that you are entitled to claim JSA and in the absebce if any other income ( you only just said you still had student finance left) it was reasonable to assume that possibly, your mum was helping you out.
the issue with not claiming JSA is that the council will want to know how you are keeping yourself afloat without claiming benefit that you are entitled to.
it will be sorted out but may mean incomvenience for both yourself and your mum until it is

xylophone

http://www.prospects.ac.uk/routes_into_teaching.htm

McKneff

Thank you nannytone, spot on..... re my intentions.


OP, you are being far too defensive. Please, think first. Your post was offensive to
me.
Being called obnoxious,. when you are only trying to help is hurtful.....
Like your mum, I am a pensioner, would you like someone to call her obnoxious if she was trying to help a youngster out, no, thought not, so please, think before you post.
Annie

Mojisola

Girl3245 wrote: »

I know that I'm entitled but it isn't something I'm comfortable doing, but as long as I know its a temporary solution i will have to grin and soldier on!

Just think of a few months JSA as a loan that you'll pay back when you start paying tax.

It's best to be pragmatic about money - you can't have much in savings if you're entitled to JSA so take what you're entitled to in the short term.

If it will make you feel better, you'll pay back plenty once you start working and you can always donate to a relevant charity on top of that once you've got a steady income.

rogerblack

Girl3245 wrote: »

A little backstory; I'm 23 years old, live with my mum who is a pensioner. We're in a council house, her rent and council tax is paid for her. I did not have to contribute to the rent or council tax because i was at university and thus in fulltime education. I've just graduated, so I'm no longer in education and the amount of rent and council tax deducted for my mum is going to reduce, as I'll be expected to pay.

Addressing points not quite raised - you can only get explicit help with the rent - HB/LHA if you are responsible for paying the rent legally.

If you are not - and in this case, you're not - any money would need to come from an income-replacement benefit.
For example, carers allowance if your mum is on certain rates of DLA/PIP and you are caring for her >35 hours a week, or JSA.
(or ESA, if you are unable to work)