Can I claim?

Phil_Linder

Hello,

I am currently in the process of leaving my current job in order to embark on a career change. I am going to become a lorry driver and need to complete my licence training.

The courses I am looking at are full time courses over about a month period, but due to demand I may have to wait up to a couple of months for a placement. This will obviously mean I cannot seek alternative employment in the mean time.

So my question is, am I entitled to claim dole in the time until I have passed my licence to help me get by? I've looked on internet but can only find info about JSA which I don't think I can claim can I?

Thanks for the advice.

Indie_Kid

Dole and JSA are the same thing. You may get sanctioned for leaving without a good reason.

Caz3121

to claim JSA you have to be actively looking for work
if you are looking for work but have left your previous job voluntarily your claim would be sanctioned for a period of up to 26 weeks
best result would be to build up a pot of savings to keep you afloat until you get your licence/another job
If you rent you may be able to get some housing benefit/LHA assistance

Phil_Linder

Is there no other claim I can make through NI contributions? I know JSA won't work because you have to evidence you are looking for work. But my situation means I can't apply for jobs because I'll only need work for a max 3 months.
I've already had to acquire the £2500 I'll need for the training. Seems harsh that you get no support from the government for trying to better yourself, even if you need support for a short period of time.

Indie_Kid

No. Unless you're a carer, single parent of a child under 5 or ill / disabled.

rogerblack

Phil_Linder wrote: »

Hello,

I am currently in the process of leaving my current job in order to embark on a career change. I am going to become a lorry driver and need to complete my licence training.

Why are you leaving your job before you have got a concrete time for the course?

stevemLS

Why don't you stay in your job until you can get on the course?

Phil_Linder

I have taken voluntary redundancy which is paying for the course. So its not as simple as working until the course date. My hands are tied on that.

TattyG

As far as benefits go, the only things I can think of are housing benefit if you rent and/or Council Tax benefit depending on your council.

Maybe a part time job in the evenings - stacking shelves, bar work - it would only be for a short time just to tide you over.

Buellguy

Hope you pass, but please do be aware that a lot of places won't take newly qualified lorry drivers, most (in order to satisfy insurance terms) will only hire those who have at least 2 years experience. I know, bit of a catch-22 if no-one hires newly qualified how are you supposed to get the experience.
I only know this as my next door neighbour is a HGV trainer

Phil_Linder

James_B. wrote: »

It's quite impolite, and also hypocritical, for you to come here asking a question that you could have googled the answer to, and then to accuse others (who are trying to help you) of being ignorant.

You're not that bright are you?

I asked a question, to which I stated I couldn't find the answer to. All replies regarding my question have been greatly appreciated.

However he didn't attempt to answer my question. He assumed me to be ignorant and stupid and incapable of making my own career decisions of which I need absolutely no assistance with. Not by asking me any questions, or trying to establish my reasons. But simply assuming me having made a rash decision that I should re-think.

I'm sorry but I find that incredibly rude and offensive.