Contribution based JSA aged 65

rsvtoddy

Hi

I am being made redundant at the end of next week, am currently aged 65 and doing 2 days a week voluntary work in addition to my paid job.

If I sign on to contribution based JSA, which I have contributed enough for, will I be expected to actively look for work as I now don't want to go back into paid employment?

I guess I could just 'pretend' to look for work but...

TIA

TadleyBaggie

In theory yes, but when I was on a few years ago my JC advisor was pretty easy going and trusted my “efforts “. 

Brie

My problem in a similar situation to you was that they insisted on my meeting my coach every other week during one of the very few times I was working.  They seemed to think I could change the hours an organisation was open to the public so that I could attend something with DWP.  I was only working 10 hours a week, frankly wouldn't have minded working more but couldn't see how I could fit it around the small job I had.  But that was nothing compared the carp I got from JSA for being "uncooperative".  This despite repeatedly calling to try to talk to someone to help me deal with it all.  

So be prepared for some boneheads.

rsvtoddy

Thanks both for your comments - I will sign on next week and see what happens!

I know it's around £90 a week but I've paid NI for long enough to feel like 26 weeks of this payment has been 'earned'.

huckster

Do you have any current regular private pension income ?

If so JSA only ignores first £50 per week of private pension income and then deducts £1 from benefit for every £1 in pension.

rsvtoddy

No - haven't started claiming any pension yet 

Grumpy_chap

My experience, though not that recent now, was that if you are only claiming nJSA (not means tested) they were quite light touch in the evidence of job search they required.
You might also be able to deflect things if there is any training course available - so long as the subject is interesting for you it can be a win-win 

TimeLord1

Just increase your voluntary hours they'll leave you alone. As far as finding an employer at 65 chances are slim to none. Especially if you have any health issues. Charity causes are the only people looking for help but some of those treat people bad because of supply and demand.