Jobseeking Benefit, but not looking for work

[Al27]

This is just a general enquiry really. Is there a time limit for you to find employment, if you are claiming jobseekers allowance?

The reason I'm asking is that I have a friend who has been claiming this benefit since November, but it seems they never apply for, or go to interviews and seem happy just to make do living off the benefit.

There's a very slim chance a low paid part time vacancy may open up for them in a few months time, at the company where they currently do volunteer work during the daytime, which is the main reason they don't seem to seeking work.

I know it's tough to find work and I was claiming jobseekers a few years ago, but the reason I'm asking is that, as a group of friends we're getting tired of constantly buying drinks for them and paying for meals on nights out.

Personally, I must have spent £100 - £200 on them over the last 9 months and nights out are painful as we are getting to the stage where we try to sneak to the bar. We've even sat there as a group, with everyone drinking apart from them to try and bang home the message that we can't carry on paying for everything!

Any advice?

[seftonview]

If he receives contributions-based JSA, it lasts for approximately six months. If it is income-based JSA, it's open ended, however he can be required to participate in job programmes such as New Deal.

If, as you say, he isn't interested in finding work, and he's happy to live on the benefit, do you really want to be associated with such a person?

As an aside, your friend is very likely to be breaking the rules for claiming Jobseekers Allowance by volunteering - he is not reasonably available for work. I sincerely hope his volunteering was declared to the Job Centre at the time it commenced!

[Al27]

Well, it's a friend I've known since school and they don't take criticism well In fact, that has been a factor in leaving previous jobs I understand.
We've tried to explain the situation, but the fallout woudn't be worth it if we were to get tough.

They're over 24, so I assume New Deal doesn't apply? The benefit will also be income based.

The benefit is a crutch and will be for the foreseeable future I suspect. After a house move, the job centre office has changed, in effect creating something of a fresh start which they'll only see as a way to buy some time.

Even the new digs is a 6 week temporary measure. They just stick their head in the sand, expecting it to all be all right.

I seriously doubt they've mentioned the volunteer work. But they would be available to go to interview/start work at any time and they receive no money whatsoever from it, so it looks to fulfill this criteria: Volunteering while on benefits : Directgov - Home and community

When do they start getting tough? People are still on the dole for years aren't they and anyone can print out some jobs for each week's checkup and say you've applied for them?

[seftonview]

There are various New Deal schemes, the one most likely to apply would be New Deal 25+.

Is New Deal 25 plus for me?

If you are aged 25 or over but under State Pension age, and have been claiming Jobseeker's Allowance for 18 months or more (or 18 months out of the last 21), you must join New Deal 25 plus.
If both you and your personal adviser decide that it is best, you could join New Deal 25 plus earlier.

Source: http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk/JCp/Customers/outofworkhelplookingforwo rk/Getting_job_ready/Programmes_to_get_you_rea dy/New_Deal/New_Deal_25_plus/index.html

Your friend would be advised to consider the following regrding his volunteering:

Volunteering and Jobseeker's Allowance

If you are unemployed and getting Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA), there is no limit to the number of hours you can volunteer. It must be reasonable for the person or organisation you're volunteering with not to pay you and you must meet the following conditions. You must:

• • • tell your local Jobcentre Plus office that you are volunteering
    • not get paid, except for out-of-pocket expenses, which do not count towards the JSA earnings disregard
    • continue to actively look for work (volunteering may count towards this, if it improves your chances of finding a job)
    • continue to be available for work for up to 40 hours a week
    • be able to be contacted if a job opportunity becomes available
    • be available to attend an interview within 48 hours and take up work within one week
    • tell your local Jobcentre Plus office about any payments you get, including any expenses you are claiming back. You may have to show the Jobcentre Plus office receipts for these payments, so you should make sure you hold onto them.

Source: http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/b_volunteering.pdf

In particular, failing to notify is a sanctionable omission and can result in withdrawal of benefit/prosecution.

[Al27]

Thanks for your help. I'll bring it up with them and see what they say.