UC and cont.JSA differences

James3891

Hi after some advice on UC/Cont JSA

After phoning everywhere i was unable to find out if i was eligible for Cont.JSA which i strongly believe i am due to working full time for previous 2 full tax years.

I was told apply for Universal Credit then go from there.Well today had my first UC set up meeting, have to say i didn't believe the horror stories but actually yes was stunned at the bully tactics and sanction threats every 30 seconds.I refused them access to my UJM page and the woman went on the rampage.

I digress, i first saw the finance type person there and explained i had to apply to UC (Only option in Northampton) on their page but felt i was CJSA eligible.They basically made out they couldn't be bothered to check my NI and move me over and to just stick with UC to save hassle.

Can anyone confirm that the merry dance of UC (35hrs a week job search , Uni Job match etc) and all its other ideas are now implemented in CJSA too?.

If they are the same i guess it doesn't matter but wanted CJSA as feel i have earnt the right to have it and hoped as a graduate whose quite independent would get the benefit of a less Dickensian framework.Would get paid before 5/6 weeks too i believe.Should i now leave it as UC or push for CJSA if its any better?Job centre totally confused with it all still so what chance does anyone have.

Appreciate any advice ,

James

marliepanda

I believe to claim any JSA, contribution based or income based, you have to demonstrate You are seeking work (clue is in the name) through your job searches.

Mersey_2

JCP staff shouldn't say that. JSA (conts-based) should be what you are in receipt off the first 26 weeks. It's probably that you're entitled to both conts-based & income-based JSA, so they thought UC as it replaces the latter in many post codes.


There isn't a huge difference, but you're right in that the 'permitted period' (when you can restrict your job search to your qualifying field/expertise/experience) I think only applies to JSA and not UC.


The 7 'waiting days' applies to both, but JSA is fortnightly whereas UC is paid monthly in arrears.


UJM does apply to JSA too, as does the logging of job search tasks etc.


Both UC & JSA are applied for online. JCPs can close JSA claims, whereas they cannot close UC claims. Sanctions apply to both.


In short, conts-based JSA is the benefit that should be processed for yourself. Income-based JSA/UC is a means-tested benefit that would apply after 6 months.


The - IDS - idea is that all will go over to UC in time, but probably not 'til 2017-2019.