JSA Sanction

[TONE MT]

I left my employer voluntarily on 31st January 2012. I have been receiving contributions based JSA since this date. On 17th April 2012 i received a letter asking for more information as to why i left my employer, and a series of questions were asked. I answered most of the questions and sent it back.

On the 10th May 2012 i received a reply dated 3rd May stating they cannot pay me JSA from 3rd May because there was doubt about the circumstances i left my employer.

This sanction applies from 3rd May to 4th August 2012.

Firstly i would like to ask will i still qualify for housing and council tax benefit? (I am a council tenant).

And can i try to claim for income based JSA?. And is it worth appealing against there decision?

Should i bother trying for a hardship payment?.

I have no assets, no income, no savings! any replies would be appreciated. Thanks

[Nystagmite]

You can claim housing and council tax benefits without claiming JSA.

[ErikaPNP]

You cannot claim income based JSA because of a sanction on contribution based JSA. Whether it's worth an appeal would depend upon the reasons you left voluntarily. You will have been sanctioned for leaving employment voluntarily without good cause. If you did not have good cause to leave, then it's not worth appealing because an appeal will only reverse the decision if you can show that you had good cause to leave. If you did have good cause to leave, then yes - appeal. Good cause is not defined but you can find examples of it in the sanction guide - attached

 

Hardship is worth applying for if you are in hardship, yes. It's 60% of the benefit that you would have received, if the santion was not applied. I've attached the hardship guide as well.

 

Housing/council tax benefits are unaffected.

 

http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=35346&d=1337018788DWP Sanction guide.pdf

[flumps1976]

If you have any additional information about the reasons why you left your job then you can request a reconsideration of the decision to sanction your benefit.

[TONE MT]

Thank you very much for taking your time, it has been very helpful