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.
📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!
The Forum now has a brand new text editor, adding a bunch of handy features to use when creating posts. Read more in our how-to guide
Contribution Based JSA in full service Universal Credit area
JaneStanley
Posts: 14 Forumite
My husband and I were unemployed from 8th October 2018. (Contract ended).
We were told that since we live in a full service universal credit area, that we had to apply online. We did this and were told we were entitiled to UC. We have been completing our journals online as required. And the home page showed the countdown to when we would be paid.
Last week, a couple of days before the payment was due, a new option came up on the home screen PAYMENTS, which showed that we weren't due anything for the first assessment period since my husband had received his final salary (for a few days work) during this time. Since my husband has paid full contributions over the last two years, he qualifies for contribution based JSA rather than income based.
We have contacted the DWP to be told that we cannot backdate any new claim, that we cannot change our claim from income to contribution based. We have tried again to see if the online system allows you to enter details for contribution based, but unless you enter savings over £16k then you are taken into the income based route!!! We are in a "full service" UC area.
We are now not receiving any benefits until the 18th December, when we should have been receiving two weekly CJSA. We have done everything they asked of us and filled in the forms correctly, but were never given the option to select CJSA (or IJSA) - the system automatically puts us into the wrong category.
Has anyone else had this? What can we do?
:mad:
We were told that since we live in a full service universal credit area, that we had to apply online. We did this and were told we were entitiled to UC. We have been completing our journals online as required. And the home page showed the countdown to when we would be paid.
Last week, a couple of days before the payment was due, a new option came up on the home screen PAYMENTS, which showed that we weren't due anything for the first assessment period since my husband had received his final salary (for a few days work) during this time. Since my husband has paid full contributions over the last two years, he qualifies for contribution based JSA rather than income based.
We have contacted the DWP to be told that we cannot backdate any new claim, that we cannot change our claim from income to contribution based. We have tried again to see if the online system allows you to enter details for contribution based, but unless you enter savings over £16k then you are taken into the income based route!!! We are in a "full service" UC area.
We are now not receiving any benefits until the 18th December, when we should have been receiving two weekly CJSA. We have done everything they asked of us and filled in the forms correctly, but were never given the option to select CJSA (or IJSA) - the system automatically puts us into the wrong category.
Has anyone else had this? What can we do?
:mad: 0
Comments
-
Is there a reason why you would have wanted contributions rather than income based JSA if you weren't in a UC area?0
-
AngelOfTheNorthWest wrote: »Is there a reason why you would have wanted contributions rather than income based JSA if you weren't in a UC area?
We ARE in a UC area. We are not eligible for Income based JSA but ARE eligible for contributions based.0 -
Contribution based JSA is not part of Universal Credit. You have to claim it separately. It is called new style JSA in a full service UC area. You can claim it alongside Universal Credit as a separate payment but it will be counted as income for Universal Credit.
Look at this link to find out how to apply.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-style-jobseekers-allowance0 -
Yes, I know you're in a UC area. You said in the OP.0
-
AngelOfTheNorthWest wrote: »Yes, I know you're in a UC area. You said in the OP.
Sorry - I don’t understand your question then ...0 -
pmlindyloo wrote: »Contribution based JSA is not part of Universal Credit. You have to claim it separately. It is called new style JSA in a full service UC area. You can claim it alongside Universal Credit as a separate payment but it will be counted as income for Universal Credit.
Look at this link to find out how to apply.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-style-jobseekers-allowance
Do you know how? If we call the job centre they give us number to call. If you go to this number 0800 0556688 then the automated call system takes you a route that ends with call being disconnected. We’ve tried this several times. You can’t claim online as this is only for universal credit.0 -
I have just tried this number 08000 0556688 and it does talk about claiming new style benefits and then after that doesn't appear to give any options for this! So frustrating.
Try calling the number again and choosing any option which gives you a chance to speak to someone and go from there. It may take a few calls so write down what options you have tried - it is a free phone number at least.
Since they are usually call centre handlers who answer it may be worth kicking up a bit of a fuss and asking to speak to a supervisor/manager and asking how you make a claim for new style JSA.
Good luck!0 -
Have you tried claiming new style JSA on line as here?
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-style-jobseekers-allowance
https://www.dwpe-services.direct.gov.uk/portal/page/portal/jsaol/lp0 -
Have you tried claiming new style JSA on line as here?
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-style-jobseekers-allowance
https://www.dwpe-services.direct.gov.uk/portal/page/portal/jsaol/lp
Yes. But it took us down the income based route. If you don’t enter savings over 16k it seems to default to income based!0 -
This post concerns new style ESA (rather than JSA)and problems in claiming it - you may find Alice's comments of interest.
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/75063034#Comment_75063034
It seems that you, too, are going to have to be persistent in the face of poor process/training/administration.0
This discussion has been closed.
Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply
Categories
- All Categories
- 354.4K Banking & Borrowing
- 254.4K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
- 455.4K Spending & Discounts
- 247.3K Work, Benefits & Business
- 604K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
- 178.4K Life & Family
- 261.5K Travel & Transport
- 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
- 16K Discuss & Feedback
- 37.7K Read-Only Boards