Minimum Hours for JSA Claimant Commitment??

Keedie

Hi All,

Does anyone know if there is a minimum amount of hours that you need to sign up to, when completing your JSA claimant commitment?

I am unable to work full time due to poor health (physical and mental), but I am being made redundant next week (from a full time post - but I took voluntary redundancy before I was dismissed for persistent health related absence and a decline in my work performance), and I will need to sign on.

I know that I will qualify for contribution based JSA initially, but I am unsure if I will be forced to look for full time work, or if I can get a part time job and concentrate on trying to get better?

I have a boy aged 9, and I am a single parent. But I don't know if that counts for anything, as he is of school age.

Thanks in advance for any help/advice that is available.

Keedie,
xx

DomRavioli

ESA may be more suitable given your health issues. JSA is usually for full time work, ESA is an ill health benefit similar to JSA but health related. You will need a GP fit note (what used to be a sick note) for ESA and send them in regularly (ESA provide an envelope and postage). ESA also has criteria to fit in, and two different groups - WRAG for those who have capacity for work, and support group for those who currently have no capacity for work.

You might also find it useful to see a DEA (disability employment advisor) at the job centre. They can help with a range of things from getting employment, staying in employment, health related work issues, Access To Work (that's for people in work who need help staying in work or supporting in work).

Maybe pop over to the disability board on here, or look at the disability rights UK website for info.

Keedie

Oh thank you very much DomRavioli,

I wasn't really sure what ESA was, but you're right, that does sound better and my doctor, therapist and CFS specialists at the hospital would help me in terms of medical evidence etc.

I didn't know that there was a disability board, but I will check it out.

Thanks again,

Keedie
xx

Mersey_2

Keedie wrote: »

Hi All,

Does anyone know if there is a minimum amount of hours that you need to sign up to, when completing your JSA claimant commitment?

I know that I will qualify for contribution based JSA initially, but I am unsure if I will be forced to look for full time work, or if I can get a part time job and concentrate on trying to get better?

Thanks in advance for any help/advice that is available.

Yes, you'll be entitled to contribution-based JSA for 26 weeks.


You have a 'permitted period' of 13 weeks where you're allowed to restrict your job search to your previous position/area of expertise/qualifications/experience.


After that, there'll be a review with an advisor, but in your case it'll be worth you highlighting your childcare and health needs at the first interview (this finalises whether they process your claim for JSA or ESA etc).

Keedie

Thank you Mersey,

I didn't know that you could have restrictions initially, as this will take away some of the pressure in looking for a part time job. I will highlight childcare and health issues as you advised in the first meeting and see where it goes. I would definitely like to be in work, but I have to find employment that gives me a proper work/life balance so that I can improve my health and eventually return to full time work. That slightly more lenient period at the beginning sounds like it can give me room to do just that, thank you.

Keedie
xx