Journey to £0 by 2020, with a few bumps along the way

chelseablue

Sarahwithlove said:

For UC if you have over 16k in savings you won't get help. JSA is only because it will be contribution based so based on you having paid national insurance for last 2 years
I'd just go ahead and pay the loan off as that's a lot per month to not have to pay out it's basically your JSA. 

Thank you, didn't even think about the savings level. Never claimed anything before so all new to me. 

enthusiasticsaver

I think some benefits are dependent on you having less than £16k savings (not all are means tested) so Sarah has a good point. So you may get JSA but not UC unless your savings drop below £16k. I also think if your husband is working that would affect the UC even if savings didn't.

ohdearhowdidthathappen

I would definitely pay loans off if you're still left with £25k.  I'd also apply for JSA, you've worked and are entitled to it.... sometimes these things can be backdated too.  UC is unlikely with your levels of savings....
Good luck with the job hunting

chelseablue

I had a text from DWP, I get my first JSA payment next week of £95 then every 2 weeks after that will get £148. 
I think its only paid for 6 months so hoping to get a job before then  

Sarahwithlove

That's great news it will help whilst you find something else. 

enthusiasticsaver

Good that you qualify for some benefits.  Hope you find a job soon although I guess at the moment you are busy with home schooling anyway.  Did you pay off the loan? 

chelseablue

enthusiasticsaver said:

Good that you qualify for some benefits.  Hope you find a job soon although I guess at the moment you are busy with home schooling anyway.  Did you pay off the loan? 

Yes I decided as it was under 4k to just pay it off

chelseablue

I've got an interview tomorrow for an Administrator role, its an 18 month contract so if I got it gives me time to get a permanent role (I don't have to stay the 18 months just need to give 1 months notice to leave)
Its £11,000 a year less than my previous job which is difficult to get my head around to be honest

Sarahwithlove

chelseablue said:

I've got an interview tomorrow for an Administrator role, its an 18 month contract so if I got it gives me time to get a permanent role (I don't have to stay the 18 months just need to give 1 months notice to leave)
Its £11,000 a year less than my previous job which is difficult to get my head around to be honest

It's better than nothing though and you don't have to take it if offered just see how it goes and whether any flexibility in pay. 

peb

I wish you well. The pay cut obviously isn't great but any job is a start