Covid support grants and JSA ( Job Seekers Allowance)

LaDerniereSemaine

Eltel07 said:

LaDerniereSemaine said:

Eltel07 said:

The local  council wasn't interested about anything other than being in employment or self employed

Which sounds entirely correct to me.

The purpose of these loans is to top up the income of people on already low incomes who will presumably end up on SSP whilst off sick.

It is not intended to top up the incomes of pure benefit claimants who will be completely unaffected financially by COVID self-isolation requirements.

Sadly if you lose your job, then go the JSA route, have your 1st phone interview, then catch COVID, then you find you cant get the support grant, you cant get the ESA as you have already applied for JSA, your are in a rock and a hard place, JSA payments can take weeks.

As (New) JSA is based on you previously being in work within the last 2yrs and paying National Insurance, its more an entitlement to help and advice, as that's what you need most especially at 62.

Back my point, Support Payments also have a discretionary option but councils rarely acknowledge this.

I suppose its a Red Tape thing.

Why would a council give a JSA claimant a discretionary payment?

You're sitting at home doing nothing, and you have no financial need (i.e employment) to leave the house.

The purpose of these payments is to support people who in all likelihood can't afford to be off work on no or a reduced income, presumably in part to encourage them to get tested and self-isolate when asked to do so. It's not there to top up the claims of pure benefit claimants.

powerspowers

The support payments are for people losing income due to self isolating, you have to be employed or self employed. The discretionary element refers to the benefits being claimed not the requirement to be working. 

There’s no reason your jsa should stop due to self isolating, you don’t need to claim a different benefit. 

If you are struggling due to self isolating you may be entitled to help from your council if they have a household support fund or local welfare scheme- they all have different rules though