Mature Student Graduant

gordybt

Hi

I have recently completed an Undergraduate degree course and Graduate next week.

I am now looking and applying for employment. I currently receive Housing Benefit, Child Tax Credit and Child Benefit, my student loan has ended and I have no savings.

I would be grateful if somebody could please advise as to whether I can or have to apply for Job Seekers Allowance or Universal Credit because I am extremely confused as to what I should be applying for while I search for a job.

My only employment in the past 3 years of studying was as a Student Ambassador which was casual minimum wage as and when, no tax or NI was paid. Before I started my studies I was a Civil Servant for 30 years and paid NI during this time. I am 51 years old.

Thank you.

poppy12345

gordybt wrote: »

Hi

I have recently completed an Undergraduate degree course and Graduate next week.

I am now looking and applying for employment. I currently receive Housing Benefit, Child Tax Credit and Child Benefit, my student loan has ended and I have no savings.

I would be grateful if somebody could please advise as to whether I can or have to apply for Job Seekers Allowance or Universal Credit because I am extremely confused as to what I should be applying for while I search for a job.

My only employment in the past 3 years of studying was as a Student Ambassador which was casual minimum wage as and when, no tax or NI was paid. Before I started my studies I was a Civil Servant for 30 years and paid NI during this time. I am 51 years old.

Thank you.

All areas are now a full UC area so claiming Income Related JSA is no longer possible. You won't be entitled to New style JSA because this is based on your NI contributions in the previous 2 tax years.


If you claim UC then all your tax credits and housing benefit will transfer across but you'll receive a 2 week run on for your housing benefit.

calcotti

You can only claim 'new style' JSA if you have paid and/or been credited with enough NI contributions between April 2016 and March 2018. If you are eligible it will only be paid for a maximum of 6 months. However from what you have said it appears that you will not qualify.

If you claim UC be aware that this will then include help with your rent and your Housing Benefit will end two weeks after you claim UC. You Child Tax Credits will also end when you claim UC (there is no run on and you should inform HMRC about your UC claim). Child Benefit will continue.

You can use a benefit calculator such as https://www.entitledto.co.uk to check what your UC entitlement may be.

Lots of information on UC and how to claim here https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/universal-credit/