Partner had JSA stopped after change in circumstances.

gemmajenkins0208

Hi,

So my partner and I have gone into a flat rental on a joint tenancy. I work part time(20hrs p/w) and he is on JSA looking for work.

We are trying to do it by the right channels without getting caught out so the day we got the keys we told the DWP we were now living together as a couple in private rented accommodation rather than living separately with parents/family, and I applied for housing benefit which is progressing, so that isn't the problem...

The problem is after reporting our change in circumstances to the DWP, we received a letter within mere days saying we cannot receive any JSA whatsoever and £600 needs to be paid back to them! That's what I earn every 4 weeks!

We're just trying to make sure we do it all properly and we don't get caught out down the line and then this...

I'm just waiting for a letter from housing benefit saying we will get nothing now and I'll have to make my £600 alone stretch to pay over £1,000 in expenses each month... :eek:

nannytone_2

you really needed to do your homework before you made such a big decision.

if your partner is on income related JSA and you earn more than £114 a week, you will be expected to support them financially.

as for housing benefit ....
you will get the LHA rate for your area for a 1 bed property minus an amount for your income

gemmajenkins0208

Thank you for your input nannytone, much appreciated

We have had to move for a reason, not just because. We didn't have time to wait for a council place plus I didn't want to take up a council place when there may be someone else who needs it more than me.

Ok, if that's the case - fair enough. Thank you for clearing that up for me.

Again thank you for your input on the LHA. I have heard of LHA and read bits and bobs on the web about it. I'd like to try and find out what that minus amount for my income would be but coming to dead ends on google!

nannytone_2

try entitledto.co.uk
it tends to be pretty accurate
[
https://www.entitledto.co.uk

gemmajenkins0208

I did try that actually, and turn2us.

I put all our info in, including my hours I work and what I get in wages every 4 weeks, and - going on info I have found about LHA etc - it's bang on with the housing benefit we should get but then it says we will get x JSA between us then my partner got that letter so clearly we won't...

WillowCat

If he was on income based JSA, it's likely, as others have said, that he will no longer be eligible because of your earnings.

However he would be entitled to payment up until you moved in together.

The £600 you mention - is this for payments made to him after you moved in together?

It may be best if he makes an appointment with citizens advice bureau, and take with him all of the letters and details of what you have received and they can take a look to see if it is correct. They can also give you advice on how much housing benefit / council tax benefit you are entitled to. He will need to give them details of your earnings.

gemmajenkins0208

Thank you for your input WillowCat.

We got the keys on 11th August, we told DWP about the change in circumstances on 11th August, he received letter days later and it was dated 12th august. He has had no payments from them since.

I think they are just trying to pull a fast one tbh - not by saying he's not entitled to JSA anymore(that fact he's on income based and they now know about my work/earnings makes sense here), but by saying he owes them £600. I just can't seem to figure out where they've got that from when we have done everything we need to at lightning speed and told them the entire truth and kept them in the loop about what's going on...

annandale

Can you not apply for universal credit?

gemmajenkins0208

It's not available in our area yet annandale