First time benefits claim questions

technopersia

Hi,

I am a PhD student in the final stages of writing up, however my scholarship is about to run out.
I will convert my study to part time at that point. I don't need much more time for writing, however I will be waiting for corrections from my supervisor.

I am actively looking for jobs (engineering). I have applied to 120 so far in the last 3 months, with responses such as 'under qualified' for a graduate job that I have studied and have work experience for.

I have good engineering skills and see a market for a few of my designs and considering self employment. However I was wondering if I would be eligible for JSA and other benefits if I'm self employed, and not making money...as I am starting up. I have very little money to support me. All I have right now is the stuff I have learnt over the years.

I have looked at the the .gov website as well as the entitlement websites.

Any advice is appreciated. I had never contemplated that I will need to apply for unemployment benefits and know nothing about it.

Many thanks

Housing_Benefit_Officer

If you are working less than 16 hours per week, actively seeking work and available for work then yes you can claim JSA.

If you are self employed for 16 hours or more per week, even with no income, then you can't claim JSA.

If you are in receipt of JSA and then become self employed you might qualify for New Enterprise Allowance. Not sure of the exact qualifying criteria though.

technopersia

Housing_Benefit_Officer wrote: »

If you are in receipt of JSA and then become self employed you might qualify for New Enterprise Allowance. Not sure of the exact qualifying criteria though.

So if I am a company director (ltd - only me) and work less than 16 hours in the company (e.g my time sheet for the company) I am eligible?

The company at the moment is my back-up plan but I'm trying to understand the system.

And also, can I run a company (ltd) part time as above, and continue looking for work, and still qualify?

p00hsticks

Are you single ? If so you may need to be looking at Universal Credit rather than JSA, depending on where you live.

Darksparkle

technopersia wrote: »

So if I am a company director (ltd - only me) and work less than 16 hours in the company (e.g my time sheet for the company) I am eligible?

The company at the moment is my back-up plan but I'm trying to understand the system.

And also, can I run a company (ltd) part time as above, and continue looking for work, and still qualify?

Directors of ltd companies are not normally considered the same as self employed individuals.

What salary/dividends would you be taking?

emmsie123

Thought you had to work 30 hrs to claim tax credits as a single claimant, not 16.
Also to be a ltd company there would have to be more than one of you.

NYM

emmsie123 wrote: »

Thought you had to work 30 hrs to claim tax credits as a single claimant, not 16.
Also to be a ltd company there would have to be more than one of you.

He wants to claim JSA not tax credits
A Ltd doesn't need more than one director and they can also be an employee of their own company.

cupid07

He can't claim JSA as hes still a student, part time or full time. Also can't claim JSA if you are self-employed.