We'd like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum. This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are - or become - political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.
Claiming Jobseekers and don't know what to expect...

JP1985
Posts: 4 Newbie
I have an appointment at the Jobcentre tomorrow to claim Contribution Based JSA. I have worked since being 16 and have never had much of a gap in employment. I had my third child at beginning of 2016 and was not able to return to work due to childcare costs and my Husband was working odd hours as he was home based and travelled to other people based on their availability so it was difficult to juggle childcare.
My son is now almost two (I also have two other children who are 7 and 5) and I am ready to return to work. My Husband is now working set hours which will make arranging childcare a little easier.
I have applied for Jobseekers allowance and have been informed that this is Contribution based as I have paid enough in contributions.
I just wasn't sure how the whole process works. Obviously the job I find has to work for my young family. Also, the job I did before was office work. However, I had a cataract operation last August in one eye and now my second eye is very very bad. The Doctors have confirmed that as it is my second eye they have said I will have to wait another 2-3 years. I am worried this may make me struggle with working on a computer all day. I am literally sat here with glasses on and one eye closed!!
Basically I just wondered whether I will be pushed into a job that is not suitable or will they give me time to find something that is? I fully intend to go back into work but just want to make sure it is something that works for us all.
My son is now almost two (I also have two other children who are 7 and 5) and I am ready to return to work. My Husband is now working set hours which will make arranging childcare a little easier.
I have applied for Jobseekers allowance and have been informed that this is Contribution based as I have paid enough in contributions.
I just wasn't sure how the whole process works. Obviously the job I find has to work for my young family. Also, the job I did before was office work. However, I had a cataract operation last August in one eye and now my second eye is very very bad. The Doctors have confirmed that as it is my second eye they have said I will have to wait another 2-3 years. I am worried this may make me struggle with working on a computer all day. I am literally sat here with glasses on and one eye closed!!
Basically I just wondered whether I will be pushed into a job that is not suitable or will they give me time to find something that is? I fully intend to go back into work but just want to make sure it is something that works for us all.
0
Comments
-
You'll be expected to sign an agreement to spend 35 hours a week seeking work. They may also specify a certain number of applications. You'll be expected to attend careers and skills appointments and workshops. You'll need an idea of the types of work you can do before you go, they'll expect you to select a few different areas.
If you don't need the money, I'd look for work on your own. I can see claiming being pretty stressful for you.0 -
if you ned to sit with one eye closed, there is something more wrong than a cataract.
i have had cataracts removed from both eyes, and by far the biggest improvement in sight was from the first operation.0 -
If you decide to claim contribution based JSA then you will make a claimant commitment.
Since you have young children you will need to make sure that childcare is sorted out and how many hours and times it would be reasonable for you to do. Obviously this would involve your husband and would depend on his pattern of work and what child care is available in your area. Once you know what hours you can do then you will need to discuss this with your job coach and make it part of your claimant commitment.
Ditto with your eye problems. You will need to discuss with work coach what kind of jobs would fit in with your eye problem.
By the way, have you discussed with your doctor about what can be done to give you better sight? Why are you having to wait two years?0
This discussion has been closed.
Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply

Categories
- All Categories
- 348.3K Banking & Borrowing
- 252.1K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
- 452.4K Spending & Discounts
- 240.9K Work, Benefits & Business
- 617.1K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
- 175.6K Life & Family
- 254.1K Travel & Transport
- 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
- 16K Discuss & Feedback
- 15.1K Coronavirus Support Boards