Jobseekers allowance

[mashedup]

One of my friends is considering leaving her job. Will she get JSA as a single parent and how long does the claim take to get sorted?

[expatinscotland]

she might get contribution-based JSA if she leaves voluntarily.

but it would be very wise of her to visit the JobCentre and speak to a lone parent advisor first before she makes any firm decisions.

[mashedup]

Many thanks

[Tinkerbel6]

She could claim Income Support if her child is under 12, it has different conditions attached to it than JSA

[gillybean2]

I think it depends on why she left the job. If there's no good reason she might have to wait a while before being allowed to claim. But it's been a while since I had to look into this so not sure what the situation is now. Think there some allowance if the reason for leaving was unsatisfactiory child care arrangements for example., though they will likely write to her work and the child care provider to confirm what she tells them.

Maybe check with the CAB what the current situation is as I know the rules on claiming income support or JSA are changing in October.

[mashedup]

Thanks everyone. She left her job yesterday in tears, went to the jobcentre today, and was told she might get JSA, so she's put in a claim. She's told them the truth about her boss being a bully. She can't take any action against him because she's only worked there 6 weeks. It will take up to 2 weeks for the JSA to be dealt with. Her DCs are 13 and 15.
On a better note, she also came away with a few job vacancies, so she's decided that's the best way to go. She really couldn't stay in her last job and has decided getting another job pretty quick has to be the answer.
It's a shame, because after a long time claiming Income Support and bringing her DCs up, she thought she'd got her life sorted.
I only hope she manages it. My job isn't exactly wonderful, (it used to be), but I can't afford to leave, and, in the present climate, am scared to look for another one.