Thread: New Claim For JSA Advice please - new

I have just made a claim for JSA after being unemployed for the past 11 months. It is a contribution based claim but my worry is that I maynot have enough NI contributions.I worked only part time in my previous job. Would anyone know anything about this please. Also I have to attend the Job Centre for an interview next week and wondered what kind of things i'll be asked.

Thanks in anticipation!

PS I am new on the site, but you all seem to really help each other.

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Your claim will be for contribution-based JSA initially. Think of it as like a points system; when your points are used up (i.e. your contributions run out), you will no longer be eligible for contribution-based JSA, but will be eligible for income-based JSA.

Ok Fraulein

This is quite complicated to explain and as I remember it can be very difficult to understand so I will try and make it as uncomplicated as possible.

contribution base JSA is rated by the contributions you made in the two income tax years (april to april) prior to the tax year you made your claim in eg. if you are claiming in this year (april 2008 to april 2009) the years they will look at are april 2006 to april 2007 and april 2007 to april 2008.

In order to qualify, you must have paid class one contributions (full time work) for the whole of the first year and at least half of the second year with the other half having contributions credited to your national insurance number (usually means claiming benefit).

If you dont have enough credits in these two years you can request income based JSA (means tested), however if you have a partner who works 24 hours or more then it is expected that they should support you financially and as it is means tested, any capital, savings, property (except the home you live) in will be assessed. Anything over £6000 affects the amount you might be entitled to and once your savings etc are deemed to be £16000. or more then you do not have any entitlement. Also any income you have (other than child benefit, child tax benefit) will be taken into consideration, so if you have say voluntary maintenance, income from a credit insurance policy or some other income this will be taken into consideration.

When you go to the jobcentre you will see two people, a financial assessor will confirm your ID and check the claim you made over the phone at the call centre. You will then see a personal advisor who will go through the work focused interview with you, assign you a "signing on" day and time etc.

If you dont think that the contributions claim will be successful because you dont have enough contributions you can ask the financial advisor to give you a clerical form and complete it requesting both Income based and contribution based JSA (again, if you think you might qualify)

This information is based on some experience gained in a summer job you are welcome to use it or not.

Thanks Monx.That advice was really helpful. So it looks like I won't have paid sufficient stamps to qualify for contribution based JSA? Been told I can't claim income based as my husband works full time. Think i'll just cancel my appointment for next week. Not worth wasting their time or mine!!

Thanks again Monx

Originally Posted by Fraulein

Thanks Monx.That advice was really helpful. So it looks like I won't have paid sufficient stamps to qualify for contribution based JSA? Been told I can't claim income based as my husband works full time. Think i'll just cancel my appointment for next week. Not worth wasting their time or mine!!

Thanks again Monx

Fraulein

Do you have children, if you do then your partner could claim working tax credits? You will also recieve national insurance credits for the time you claim child benefit under the Home Responsibilities Rule.

If you dont have children and you want support finding work then it might be worth going through with the claim as you will get your NI contributions credited to you whilst you look for work and there other things you could be considered for, such as reduced travel cards, travel to interview schemes etc. The jobcentre can also provide entrance to third party schemes that update or complete CV's and help with interviewing skills etc.

*IMPORTANT* as the information I have given on here is at least 12 months old I would seek professional advice before cancelling your appointment.