JSA and working 15 hours

louise787

I am lone parent if I worked for 15 hours at 7.20 p/h can I claim child tax and housing benefit and not have to claim JSA as would be on more money I know cant claim working tax credit but would still be better off than on JSA I am currently on JSA but desparate to work I think I am going to be offered a job but is only 15 hours please tell me what happens re jobcentre and housing benefit

pmlindyloo

If you sign off JSA then your NI contributions won't be paid. You can continue to receive them if you stay on JSA as you are working under 16 hrs but you would have to adhere to your job seekers agreement.

As you know you need to work for 16 hrs to claim working tax credits as a lone parent.

You can claim child tax credits and HB and CT reduction based on a low income. You would need to inform tax credits and the council of your change of circumstances.

Try modelling the two scenarios on the benefit calculator on https://www.entitledto.co.uk

WillowCat

pmlindyloo wrote: »

If you sign off JSA then your NI contributions won't be paid. You can continue to receive them if you stay on JSA as you are working under 16 hrs but you would have to adhere to your job seekers agreement.

If your child (or youngest child) is under 12 then you will get NI credits alongside your child benefit. It's only once they are over 12 you will need to consider contributions. You will need 35 years contributions/credits over your working life, so it's only worth paying voluntary contributions if you think you will be short.

pmlindyloo

WillowCat wrote: »

If your child (or youngest child) is under 12 then you will get NI credits alongside your child benefit. It's only once they are over 12 you will need to consider contributions. You will need 35 years contributions/credits over your working life, so it's only worth paying voluntary contributions if you think you will be short.

The problem with relying on the NI credits you receive through CB is that they are only class 3 and whilst they do go towards your pension they do not build up any contributions for claiming contribution based JSA or ESA.

Whilst this may not be relevant to this particular poster as she would probably be entitled to income based benefits it might matter to others reading if they would only be entitled to contribution based benefits in the future (because of working partner or savings/capital)