JSA - been avoiding through pride and credit status fear

controversialmike

Apologies for the assumption. I was not aware of that. As you can tell, I'm not very well versed in this area. As it stands, I am merely staying here as a guest and have no association on the tenancy agreement. As she is "helping me out until I'm back on my feet", there's no way I would ask her to be involved with my benefits claim. We've been together for just 3 months. She works part time on minimum wage (max 20 hrs per week) and has a 4 year old to look after.

Even though I have been self employed for many years, the majority of this has been PAYE and NI payments have been made on approx 80% of my income.

Would a meeting with the local CAB be advisable?

marliepanda

controversialmike wrote: »

Apologies for the assumption. I was not aware of that. As you can tell, I'm not very well versed in this area. As it stands, I am merely staying here as a guest and have no association on the tenancy agreement. As she is "helping me out until I'm back on my feet", there's no way I would ask her to be involved with my benefits claim. We've been together for just 3 months. She works part time on minimum wage (max 20 hrs per week) and has a 4 year old to look after.

Unfortunately, whether you want to include her or not, you are living with her as a couple, and therefore have to claim JSA as a couple. It is not a case of you asking her to be part of it, she would be part of it.

controversialmike

marliepanda wrote: »

Unfortunately, whether you want to include her or not, you are living with her as a couple, and therefore have to claim JSA as a couple. It is not a case of you asking her to be part of it, she would be part of it.

I wouldn't class this as living together as a couple in any way. As soon as I have found employment, I'm moving out and getting my own space again and I can't wait! I do not have a key to the property, I have no clothes here and no belongings. They are all in my car or at my parents who simply don't have the patience or understanding to be comfortable with my situation. I live out of a backpack with two pairs of pants, socks and a toothbrush in it.

marliepanda

controversialmike wrote: »

I wouldn't class this as living together as a couple in any way. As soon as I have found employment, I'm moving out and getting my own space again and I can't wait! I do not have a key to the property, I have no clothes here and no belongings. They are all in my car or at my parents who simply don't have the patience or understanding to be comfortable with my situation. I live out of a backpack with two pairs of pants, socks and a toothbrush in it.

Do you sleep in the same bed?

You are a couple, and you live in the same house.

I'm not sure what else I can say.

controversialmike

I understand what you state and thank you for your input Marlie.

I despise the idea of having to "play the game" just to get what I am entitled to. I won't embellish the facts simply to get by. I wont lower my standards or risk my newly formed relationship in order to claim and I am shocked that the system seems to encourage me to do this. I am seeking stability during job seeking, nothing more.

I will meet with the local CAB tomorrow and, if I cannot apply for JSA with the facts of my unfortunate situation, I wont apply.

I don't want to and never have. I have no choice now and will just have to deal with the fallout.

Mersey_2

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.

Obviously it's a matter for you, but your bank account address should really match ie be the claimant's address.


It'll be one of the ID checks which you physically hand in at the Jobcentre before the claim is finalised.


You may be entitled to contribution-based JSA (based on your NI Contribs in the previous 2 years). Most self-employed people are not and so it'll be income-based JSA, or Universal Credit you claim as others have suggested. But from what you've said you'll be entitled to 6 months of contribution-based JSA. This may need to be a clerical claim in the JCP, as I don't like the online system is geared up for that yet on the UC site.


The online appn should direct you.


Claiming JSA won't affect your credit score (you can check this for free with www.clearscore.com etc). Indeed, at least you'll have just under £400 pcm being paid into your account and this'll help you maintain minimum crest card payments etc.

Mersey_2

marliepanda wrote: »

Unfortunately, whether you want to include her or not, you are living with her as a couple, and therefore have to claim JSA as a couple. It is not a case of you asking her to be part of it, she would be part of it.

Untrue if claiming contributions-based JSA.


It isn't a means-tested benefit.


Controversial Mike's entitlement will be based on his NICs and so benefit household will not be relevant.


OP - 0345 608 8545 is the number to call if you can't claim online. I think they just take your details over the 'phone for contribution-based JSA (in the old way).

marliepanda

He would still claim as a couple. I didn't say he would lose out anything due to her income.

Mersey_2

Not if she's working and his bank ie he is registered at his parents'.

xylophone

Is the OP's official home his parents' home as his bank address is there and (presumably) he is registered on the electoral roll at that address?



What is his situation with regard to Class 1 NI for the relevant period?

See post 13

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/70939724#Comment_70939724

If he is entitled to JSA (Conts) then he'll get it regardless of his girlfriend's situation?