JSA - been avoiding through pride and credit status fear

controversialmike

Hi all,

For the last 12 years I've been self employed but had to halt operations due to an injury last year. Since January (my last contract) I've been actively seeking a permanent position - 150+ applications = 2 interviews. Granted, all of these have been within my skill range, no shelf stacking applications.

I've refused to claim JSA through pride. I also am worried about how it will effect my credit status. I am living in an overdraft and juggling credit cards to avoid interest fees - a little worried the bank will call it in if they find out I'm now officially unemployed.

Currently living out of a bag rent free with my girlfriend and her parents and still holding onto hope. I've had to relocate which means, although I am now fully recovered from the back operation, I can't pick up any self employed contracts under my old business.

Right now, I'm halfway through the JSA application but thought I'd post here to check if there's anything I should know before proceeding.

All advise greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Guest101

JSA does not affect credit status.

controversialmike

Thanks for he response Guest101.
So I have no need to fear the recall of my OD or credit cards?

Guest101

controversialmike wrote: »

Thanks for he response Guest101.
So I have no need to fear the recall of my OD or credit cards?

I'm not saying that, but you claiming JSA has no effect on either facility.


whether its recalled for another reason is not something I can predict

sammyjammy

You may have issues claiming JSA when you are living with your girlfriend.

controversialmike

sammyjammy wrote: »

You may have issues claiming JSA when you are living with your girlfriend.

Can you elaborate please sammy? I don't have a lot of choice. My post is being sent to my parents which is where I've registered my bank account to but I wouldn't say I'm living there. Probably just spend 2 nights a week.

xylophone

http://www.themix.org.uk/money/benefits/i-was-self-employed-can-i-claim-jsa-9219.html

The above may be relevant?

p00hsticks

xylophone wrote: »

http://www.themix.org.uk/money/benefits/i-was-self-employed-can-i-claim-jsa-9219.html

The above may be relevant?

I can't see an obvious date on that, but I believe that uNiversal Credit has now been rolled out across the whole country for snigle peopel in place of income related JSA.

Darksparkle

controversialmike wrote: »

Can you elaborate please sammy? I don't have a lot of choice. My post is being sent to my parents which is where I've registered my bank account to but I wouldn't say I'm living there. Probably just spend 2 nights a week.

Spending 2 nights where, your parents or girlfriends?

controversialmike

Darksparkle wrote: »

Spending 2 nights where, your parents or girlfriends?

Sorry for the confusion, currently spending 2 nights per week at my parents. Regardless, I'm not looking to claim housing benefit. If I'm at my parents, they are mortgage free - at my girlfriends place, she covers the tenancy costs and food bills until I'm back in employment.

Claiming JSA is just my only option to keep up the bank charges (overdraft), car insurance/tax and my phone bill payments, I don't want to default and losing these facilities will effect my ability to find work.

My savings are now all spent on living costs to get me through the last 6 months. Now I'm seeking casual work because I feel confidently recovered from the surgery and... well, I have no choice. My experience with job hunting has been horrific so I think it's probably wise to start claiming as form of a safety net.

Darksparkle

controversialmike wrote: »

Sorry for the confusion, currently spending 2 nights per week at my parents. Regardless, I'm not looking to claim housing benefit. If I'm at my parents, they are mortgage free - at my girlfriends place, she covers the tenancy costs and food bills until I'm back in employment.

Claiming JSA is just my only option to keep up the bank charges (overdraft), car insurance/tax and my phone bill payments, I don't want to default and losing these facilities will effect my ability to find work.

My savings are now all spent on living costs to get me through the last 6 months. Now I'm seeking casual work because I feel confidently recovered from the surgery and... well, I have no choice. My experience with job hunting has been horrific so I think it's probably wise to start claiming as form of a safety net.

I never mentioned housing benefit.

You are aware that if you live with your girlfriend you'll need to make a joint claim for JSA?

If she works you may not be eligible depending on hours/income.