Register unemployed/claim mortgage protection insurance

smithlo

Is it possible to register as unemployed and not claiming any benefits?  I do not qualify for universal credit as my partner works. Have being made redundant, but offered 1 day a week in a self employed role. Job centre have advised I am unable to claim JSA if working 1 day a week.  Spoken to mortgage protection insurer,  who says I can work up to 16 hrs week and still receive my mortgage protection  but have to be registered  unemployed without claiming benefits.  Unable to register as unemployed as Job centre says I will be working 1 day a week. 
Can anyone advise?
Many thanks 

[Deleted User]

Eligibility

To get New Style JSA you usually need to have been working within the last 2 to 3 years as an employee, and have paid (or been credited with) Class 1 National Insurance contributions.

You’ll need to be either unemployed or work less than 16 hours a week.

You’ll also need to take reasonable steps to look for work. You must still follow the guidance on working safely during coronavirus.

You cannot claim New Style JSA or Universal Credit if you’re getting Severe Disability Premium (SDP), or if you received SDP in the last month and are still eligible for it. You might be able to claim other benefits.

If you have an illness or disability which stops you from working you cannot claim New Style JSA, but you may be able to claim ‘New Style’ Employment and Support Allowance.

smithlo

Thanks Mark.
I was previously employed for more than 2 years, but was made redundant, but company now wants me to work one day a week on a self employed basis.
I mentioned to the job centre, about my understanding that I could work up to 16 hours per week, but they said I couldn't  be registered  as unemployed if still working one day a week.
Therefore, if I can't register as unemployed mortgage company won't pay mortgage protection. 
Thanks in advance

Marcon

smithlo said:

Thanks Mark.
I was previously employed for more than 2 years, but was made redundant, but company now wants me to work one day a week on a self employed basis.
I mentioned to the job centre, about my understanding that I could work up to 16 hours per week, but they said I couldn't  be registered  as unemployed if still working one day a week.
Therefore, if I can't register as unemployed mortgage company won't pay mortgage protection. 
Thanks in advance

The crucial words are 'You’ll need to be either unemployed or work less than 16 hours a week.' Unemployment is defined as not working at all; the 16 hours kicks in as the maximum hour you can be working and still qualify for New Style JSA. It follows that you can't register as unemployed if you are working one day a week, and that's what scuppers your mortgage protection claim.

smithlo

Thanks for your help