Claiming UC every other 6 months?

Conrad3000

Hi all.

If someone was to claim UC for 6 months, then sign off because they found a temporary job that lasted 6 months, sign on again after it ended, sign off for another 6 (due to another temp. job that became available), and repeat the cycle, would that actually be possible?

I guess that could be an infinite process if I'm correct.

Thanks.

NedS

There is no signing off on UC - the claim stays open and the amount of UC you receive each month varies depending on your earnings that month. If you earn too much, UC drops to zero but the claim stays open.

The claim only closes if you have no UC award for 6 months due to earning too much, then the claim closes. But you are free to make a new claim at any time if your earnings drop or your circumstances change.

Conrad3000

But I thought you had to re-apply for UC if you found a job, say for 6 months, because that's how much time is needed to make a fresh claim?

NedS

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82097550#Comment_82097550

No, if you start work you report a change on your UC claim and the claim stays open, with the amount of UC paid depending on your earnings. If you are earning too much then the UC award will be £0 each month.

If the UC award is £0 for six months running, then the claim closes. If it has closed and your earnings fall or that job ends, then you make a new claim for UC and start again.

elsien

I would imagine the chances of being employed and then unemployed in regular six months cycles is extremely remote.

born_again

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6672209/can-you-claim-job-seekers-allowance-every-other-6-months#latest

p00hsticks

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82097581#Comment_82097581

That's talking about new style JSA though - not UC

YBR

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82097574#Comment_82097574

Except seasonal work, of which there is plenty in tourist areas. OTOH, I'd expect a person to be looking for other fill-in roles even if determined to be available for that role in the same 6 months next year.

p00hsticks

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82097668#Comment_82097668

And so would DWP if thry are being asked to pay UC (or new style JSA)…..

huckster

Some do earn enough in a 6 month period , that they choose not to work for the other 6 months.

But the local Job Centre will be requiring active job seeking, if someone thought they could claim for the inactive 6 month period. And for the first 13 weeks of a new claim, weekly appointments will be required and from week 14 fortnightly appointments. If someone is not putting in any effort to find work a decision maker could decide to apply a sanction.

sammyjammy

DWP are also likely to look at averaging the earnings out a 12 month period if its an ongoing thing.

Why would someone think its ok to do this?