Supply Teaching…JSA in August

RedfordML

I have worked for last 3 years teaching or employed and in May I am supply teaching…

now, will I be able to qualify for JSA for end of July/August, I will be honest, it would really take the pressure off us as a family if I would be able to. With Supply teaching effectively being a zero hours contract - would I be able to apply? 

poppy12345

You'll be able to claim New style JSA if you have the correct NI contributions in the previous 2 tax years. However, if you're working then there's only a £5/week earnings disregard. After that your JSA will be reduced £1 for £1. 

Have you checked entitlement to Universal Credit? It's a means tested benefit so if you live with a partner you'll need to claim as a couple. If you have capital of more than £16,000 you're excluded from claiming. 

RedfordML

Thanks for your reply - is that £16k in savings or earnings a year between us? 

As a supply teacher I won’t be working from end of July 25th until Sept 4th - so would open a claim on 25th 

I just got “you should be able to apply” and went though to application etc. 

Spoonie_Turtle

RedfordML said:

Thanks for your reply - is that £16k in savings or earnings a year between us? 

£16,000 savings between you (but not just savings, it's 'capital' which includes any equity in a property you don't live in, bonds, shares, etc.).

RedfordML

No, we wish! Thanks for your advice. 

Seems like a little of the worry and pressure maybe a little better if needed come end of July! 

poppy12345

Universal Credit entitlement is based on earnings received each month. From the date you submit your claim your first payment will be 1 month and 6 days later. You should use a benefits calculator and check entitlement now, depending on circumstances you could qualify now.https://www.entitledto.co.uk/benefits-calculator

When you claim New style JSA I think you'll need to wait until you receive your last earnings. 

RedfordML

I don’t think we will qualify for UC as partner earns £35k 

I get paid weekly on supply so will apply on that final Friday 👍🏼👍🏼

thanks again 

Rubyroobs

RedfordML said:

No, we wish! Thanks for your advice. 

Seems like a little of the worry and pressure maybe a little better if needed come end of July! 

Will you be looking for work ? Because if claiming JSA you would be expected to do this for as many hours as they deem you should and meet other work search commitments. You could be expected to take any reasonable job offered.

RedfordML

Yep, defo will be…looking…

poppy12345

RedfordML said:

I don’t think we will qualify for UC as partner earns £35k 

That doesn't mean you won't qualify. It depends on your joint circumstances. If there's just the 2 of you and you're not renting your home then it's highly likely you won't qualify. 

If you rent your home and you have children, then you may qualify. No harm in using the benefits calculator to check. 

huckster

Once you stop working and are looking for new employment you can claim New Style JSA. You don't have to wait until after last earnings have been received.

New Style Jobseeker's Allowance - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

You don't receive benefit payment for the first 7 days as that is the waiting period.

Benefit payments are paid fortnightly and you will have to attend Job Centre appointment fortnightly to confirm details of your job search.

If you took up work as a tutor during the summer, you would earn far more than benefits.