Can you claim “job seekers” if you leave Uni early?

Morata_

Was on a PGCE but have decided to leave early for a few reasons.

Whilst I look for a new job can I claim? I have a mortgage and 3 kids so anything will help. My partner is @ Uni and works 2 days a week so money will be tight.

Thanks for reading.

pmlindyloo

When did you start your course? Were you working full time before this?

If so then you might be eligible for contribution based JSA (called new style JSA if in a full service Universal Credit area) which is £73.10 a week and lasts for 6 months. It does not take into account any other income or savings (Except for private pensions)

Otherwise any other benefits will be means tested. This means any income your partner gets in the form of student loans plus her earnings will be taken into account. There are some disregards/allowances for the student loans for certain things but it is possible that your partner's earnings would mean you are not eligible for any help.

Plus, have you received your student loan for this term? That may also be taken into account.

Are you receiving child tax credits?

You could go to CAB with all your paperwork and details of any income coming into the house and they would do a benefits calculation for you.

Best thing is to find a job, any job quickly. The run up to Christmas should provide plenty of opportunities. Even if you took a temporary job at national minimum wage you might be entitled to some help either through tax credits or if in a full universal credit area through UC.

You can check to see if you are in a full service universal credit area here:

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/universal-credit/before-you-apply/Check-if-youre-eligible-for-Universal-Credit/

Morata_

I was working 25hrs a week, part-time.

Got a feeling I’m going to have to pay back majority of the student loan, so won’t axtually have any of that.

Yep, we receive child tax credits.

xylophone

Your other posts indicate that you are unhappy with teaching primary age children.

Do you have the option to switch to secondary? You might be happier teaching your own subject to older pupils?

Or is the problem that you don't want to teach at all?

If you want another career, get hold of a temporary job ( you already have a degree and work experience so should have a good chance of this) and explore options and opportunities.

Morata_

Thank you! I’m going to tie up Uni this week. Secondary, maybe an option for next year but I think that’s it’s for education - done it for 10 years.

Yeah, I think a temp role and see what happens.

xylophone

Yeah, I think a temp role and see what happens.

Best of luck.