JSA/Universal Credits and Gambling

mp1993

Hi,

Due to personal issues I have not had a job since November, I've decided to apply for JSA but it says I need to apply for Universal Credits.

My concern is regarding the bank statement I have to show in the interview, my other bank accounts are in debt so I chose one which is not effected by this to be paid into. The issue is on the statement there are several transactions with online bookmakers, they are not large sums, mostly £5-£10 transactions with there being about 6-7 of these. Would this however effect my application as they may get the wrong end of the stick and think I will spend all the money on gambling which I will not. This money will be used to get me back on track and help get me a job.

Your help would be greatly appreciated.

Kind regards,

NYM

I wouldn't think your entitlement to JSA/UC has anything to do with where, or how, you might spend it.

mp1993

Great, thanks for the reply. I thought the same but just felt it may still impact it.

HappyMJ

mp1993 wrote: »

Hi,

Due to personal issues I have not had a job since November, I've decided to apply for JSA but it says I need to apply for Universal Credits.

My concern is regarding the bank statement I have to show in the interview, my other bank accounts are in debt so I chose one which is not effected by this to be paid into. The issue is on the statement there are several transactions with online bookmakers, they are not large sums, mostly £5-£10 transactions with there being about 6-7 of these. Would this however effect my application as they may get the wrong end of the stick and think I will spend all the money on gambling which I will not. This money will be used to get me back on track and help get me a job.

Your help would be greatly appreciated.

Kind regards,

Jay

You can spend all of your income on gambling, alcohol, cigarettes...anything you want at all. They cannot tell you how to spend your money. It's your money to do with as you please.

Spending large amounts of your capital (your long term savings) on things to purposely qualify you for a benefit payment may be considered deprivation of capital and they may look further into it.

NYM

Just make sure anything you might receive is spent wisely!

mp1993

I will certainly spend it on the right things, for personal reasons I've not felt fit to work since November but I am ready now. Therefore I would like this benefit to help me get back on track in finding a job, hopefully if I get it I only need it for a very short period of time

NYM

mp1993 wrote: »

I will certainly spend it on the right things, for personal reasons I've not felt fit to work since November but I am ready now. Therefore I would like this benefit to help me get back on track in finding a job, hopefully if I get it I only need it for a very short period of time

Good luck for the future x

mp1993

Great, I just felt as I'm still applying for the benefit if they see it then it could raise eyebrows and them may be less inclined to provide me this benefit.

xylophone

If you are entitled to the UC then that's it and all about it - the members of staff are not there to tell you how to spend your money.

Best of luck in finding a job.

mp1993

xylophone wrote: »

If you are entitled to the UC then that's it and all about it - the members of staff are not there to tell you how to spend your money.

Best of luck in finding a job.

Thank you

Mersey_2

Bank statements are a form of ID and proof of address.


You're means tested for JSA/UC on your capital, not your winnings as others have also said.