Can you claim new style JSA even if doing a little freelance?

TheSuperHans

So my full time role is being made redundant next month, and I'm currently trying to work out what the best thing to do is?

I've been in the role over 5 years so should have enough NI to be eligible to claim new style JSA. 

But I potentially have some odd freelance work that I could take up, but it would be way less than 16 hours a week, with some weeks nothing.

So are you able to undertake this freelance work and claim new style JSA, and can you be registered as self employed with the self assessment at the same time or would I need to wait?

The only reason I'm thinking the new style JSA would be beneficial is for my NI stamps.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

sammyjammy

You can but you will be required to abide by the jobseeking and availability rules as if you were receiving payments, anything over £5 you earn your JSA weekly will be reduced £1 for £1.

If you are freelancing it might be more sensible to look into paying class 2 contributions as and when you need to.

Spoonie_Turtle

Would you be eligible to claim Universal Credit?  The job search requirements would be broadly the same but the payments are designed to take into account fluctuating income far better than JSA.

UC gives class 3 NI credits whereas JSA gives class 1.