Job Seeker allowance means tested?

Godiva500

Is it correct that the job seeker allowance is now means tested? It used to based on contributions... My husband is desperately looking for a job and applied for the JS allowance only to be told he is not entitled to anything - even though he has worked all his life and his contributions are up to date. He gets £300 a month pension thats all - I have a pension too. he pays his ex £400 a month of another pension, and the Job centre say that has to be taken into account as if he receives it and can use it - even though he never sees it. We have tried credits and other benefits to no avail.... Is it worth appealing?

Thanks

LittleVoice

If your husband receives a pension, is he over the state retirement age of 65 or does he have an occupational pension paid earlier?

There are two types of JSA - one contribution based and one income based.

impecunious

JSA (Income Based) is means tested. JSA (Contribution Based) is not. The later is for only 6 months. The relative bit of info needed here is when your husband last worked.

Here is a good guide http://www.askcab.co.uk/money_site/mJSA.asp

Hope this helps

ukdickie31

Hi

Occupational Pensions ARE taken into account, even with JSA (Conts based).

I am sure somebody can give the exact figure.

My last understanding was anything paid in excess of £50 per weel on a pension is taken off the JSA.

healy

Hello Dickie, Just to confirm that the figure is £50 per week, it came in a few years ago.