Urgent: Newbie to JSA, when will it expire and what next?

moneysaver2017

Morning. For the first time in my life I had to claim JSA from March last year. My son has special needs and I am his carer, trying to complete DLA forms at present as again never claimed. I still can't find work that fits within family life/distance or skillset (happy to do anything but it's hours). I think they said from memory it stops after 6 months, is this correct? If so is there any other options I have as i'm panicking. My partner works but all money is soaked up by the mortgage and council tax/car repairs

calcotti

Slightly confused. JSA will stop after 26 weeks. If you claimed last March I would have expected it to stop in September but your question sounds as if you are still getting it. You may be able to make a new claim now if you wish to and could get another 26 weeks.

Have you looked at Carer's Allowance Carer's Allowance - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). It pays a little less than JSA but will be paid indefinitely if you meet the conditions. Note that you cannot claim CA if you earn more than £128/week (which obviously isn't an issue at the moment).

You cannot be paid both CA and JSA but could still apply for CA before the JSA ends in order to allow time for the claim to be processed.

Have you used a benefits calculator to check whether there is any entitlement to Universal Credit based on your joint circumstances. Note however that you cannot receive UC if you have savings over £16,000 and applying for UC would end any existing Tax Credits claim if you have one.

moneysaver2017

Sorry yes I claimed in September and due to end March which now sounds right! Do they contact me or do i have to contact them? Yes looking to claim DLA but thought i couldn't claim CA until claimed for DLA??? I've tried a calculator but as OH self employed am steering away from UC as his employment is soo unpredictable in terms of money

calcotti

moneysaver2017 said:

Sorry yes I claimed in September and due to end March which now sounds right! Do they contact me or do i have to contact them? Yes looking to claim DLA but thought i couldn't claim CA until claimed for DLA??? I've tried a calculator but as OH self employed am steering away from UC as his employment is soo unpredictable in terms of money

The JSA will just end.
You are right, you cannot get CA until DLA is awarded. My fault for not reading your post properly and not taking in that you were still applying.