I've been advised I am not eligible for JSA as a self employed individual?

Onwards_Upwards

Help appreciated here... I was made redundant just over a year ago after 35 years of full time employment (so all my NIC paid up without a break during that time),

I started my own business a year ago and have been putting heart, soul and all my hours into getting it up and running.  As it's still running at a loss (although starting to head in the right direction) I have not been able to pay myself.  What work/money I get goes back into the business to keep it running. 

I applied for the new JSA and was advised I was eligible (because of my employment history).  However I've just got back from my first Job Centre appointment and been advised that because I am not intending to apply for jobs (i.e. open vacancies advertised by other companies), that I am not eligible.  I explained that I am regularly visiting and quoting potential clients and billing clients on behalf of my own company.  Apparently that doesn't count?

Is this correct? It seems crazy that the government is penalising people for trying to be entrepreneurial and develop new companies?

Any advice appreciated please.  Thank you so much.

Voyager2002

Yes, it is correct. However, you are eligible for Universal Credit as a self-employed person. Ask for a start-up year, so that the amount of UC that you receive would be similar to the amount of JSA for which you would be eligible if you were applying for jobs.  

huckster

Yes again correct. New Style JSA is not a benefit you can claim, if you are working self employed and not searching for employed work.

You could claim Universal Credit as self employed person in process of building a business. But use an online benefit calculator such as Entitledto or  Turn2us. UC is means tested so household income and savings are taken into account.