Don't appear to be entitled to either

pinkpinkuk

I'm 22 years old and living with my 23 year old partner. I am unemployed and looking for work, my partner works full time but is not paid. He was initially on a 'work experience' post, but has been told there is a possibility he will be paid (most likely for 2 days per week) in the near future. He has been working there since the start of December.

I have put in a claim for JSA and had my interview this morning. However, I was told I will not be eligible for non-contributory because my partner is in work and I'm unlikely to have enough contributions for contributory based because I am fresh out of Uni and have only had part-time or temporary positions. They advised me to apply for Working Tax Credits instead.

However, on trying to apply for these I have been told I need to be either over 25 or a parent. I now seem to be in the position that I can't claim either.

Are there any other benefits either I or my partner may be entitled to until I get a job and/or he starts getting paid?

dmg24

If you have not paid sufficient NI contributions for contributions based JSA, and your partner earns too much for you to claim income based JSA, then he would be expected to support you for your period of unemployment.

pinkpinkuk

My partner doesn't earn anything, though.

dmg24

In that case you would be entitled to income based JSA. Did they not assess you for this?

Could I ask why he is doing work experience, and not in paid employment?

pinkpinkuk

I was told the fact that my partner is in full-time work means I cannot claim income-based, regardless of the fact he doesn't get paid for it.

He has had problems with depression/anxiety and has been unable to get a job previously because he breaks down every time. He started doing this work experience placement as a trial, neither of us really thinking he would be able to cope with it, but they've been pretty understanding about this problem and he's coped pretty well. Hopefully, as I say, they will start paying him soon which will be a big relief.

dmg24

Yep, I think it is not so much that he is working full time, but that he is not available to take up paid work (and as a couple, you are making a joint claim).

Is his work trial something arranged through the Jobcentre? I'm really pleased it has gone well for him, and in the circumstances, it would be a great shame if he gave it up x

pinkpinkuk

No, its something he arranged himself. Its in an area he really wants to work in (sports journalism) so if it does lead to a paid job it will be good for his future career as well. Here's hoping!

I have phoned the Jobcentre to ask whether his unpaid work will affect the claim but they told me they can't comment and "shouldn't talk about it" so I guess I'll have to see when the results of my claim come through.