Job seekers allowance

[ScandiNoir]

Hi
Just wondering if anyone has any experience of the above system to share.
My youngster is 23, got a 1st class degree last year, has spent this year on a 1 year fixed contract role which has just finished so paid nat insurance/tax etc for 1 year. They were due to start a grad scheme in mid Sept but this has now been pushed back to
start in Jan 21(HOPEFULLY). They will have to return home to live next week at end of lease on flat.
Not much work available near us, very rural, hardly any temp work being advertised, and no weddings/events work which is what they have done through previous holidays.

Does anyone know if they could get JSA in these circumstances? It's a bit tricky as not really looking for a job as have one to go to, but equally 5 months looming with not much prospect of any income.
TIA

To claim contributions based JSA ( new style JSA) he would need to have paid NI contributions for the past 2-3 years. If they have no other income it would be Universal credits they claim as long as they don't have savings over 16k. However on Uc they would be expected to do 35 hours job searching per week. How much they are enforcing this at the moment I don't know.

I just applied for this and work 7 hours a week, I’m looking for another job I was offered £16.82 a week 2 days later a letter comes saying I’m not entitled to it. I don’t understand

@pasteldechocolateconchispa

I just applied for this and work 7 hours a week, I’m looking for another job I was offered £16.82 a week 2 days later a letter comes saying I’m not entitled to it. I don’t understand

Have you paid sufficient NI contributions over the past few years ?

Jsa is based on NI contributions in the last 2 full tax years so if he hasn't got that he will need to claim UC. He will have to job search for possibly 35 hours a week but that will be discussed with his work coach (over the phone at the moment).

He would have to job search for Jsa too.

5 months is plenty of time for temp work or a fixed term contract role. Even taking permanent work and giving required notice to start grad scheme could be done. They are unlikely to get JSA as pp have advised re NI conts. UC conditions of Job-searching resume in August, they will need to prove actively seeking work to get UC. This may be up to 35 hours jobsearch pw. Why would you feel that they should get paid benefit if they don't comply with rules and even try to get a job ? Paying NI for a year is not a licence to do nothing for 5 months and sit on benefit.

Why on Earth are you coming onto a parenting forum to ask this. Surely your adult daughter should simply be using the internet to find out the answers. It’s not bloody hard

Sounds like it's not an option then, thanks very much to those who gave helpful replies.
They would rather be doing some work anyway, but it's a bit hard to come by round here at the moment. Always plenty of volunteering opportunities to keep themselves busy I'm sure.

@Sharpandshineyteeth, no need to be unpleasant. I asked on here because I am on here and it just popped into my head this afternoon that it could be an option. My adult offspring is extremely capable of finding out information.

And @gk6277 I don't think I said they had licence to sit on their bottom and do nothing whilst taking benefits, I simply asked a question. Given where we live and the hundreds of unemployed due to Covid and the lack of events and weddings I admire your optimism re the temporary job market.

@Babyroobs I don’t earn enough in my part time role to pay anything as in I don’t get taxed so maybe that’s why? I didn’t think of it like that. Prior to this I worked full time.

Jobseekers Allowance is now only a "contribution based" benefit. (You get it because you paid enough NI contributions). The income based (you get it because you have little income or savings) unemployment benefit is Universal Credit.

As mentioned, he can claim UC, but he'll be expected to actually seek work. Having a job lined up for January won't be good enough.

What a load of sanctimonious claptrap is written on here about benefits. Of course there are people who claim when they shouldn't. The fraud in benefit is rife at the moment. HOWEVER the UK has a welfare system that provides basic support for those without work. This will be exactly the situation your child will be in !

The single allowance for an under 25 year old is £342.72 a month. It will allow the jobseeker to travel to interviews and apply for a temporary job, use of internet, electricity etc whilst waiting for grad scheme. In the meantime they SHOULD claim UC. You are not expected to feed and clothe an adult child at your own expense. The fact that you are housing them is already a huge saving to the state. (DWP for 32 years) .

As said previously, JSA is based on 2 years contributions and not affected by savings. Universal Credit is claimed online. Your child should make an application online as soon as they are without income. It's what it's there for !

[quote pasteldechocolateconchispa]@Babyroobs I don’t earn enough in my part time role to pay anything as in I don’t get taxed so maybe that’s why? I didn’t think of it like that. Prior to this I worked full time.[/quote]
Yes it will depend on NI contributions in the past 2 -3 years. It's a shame really as you could have paid NI contributions for years on end but then not have done in the past few years , but unfortunately it's only those years that count.

I know it's not what you're asking about but if local work is difficult to find, online A level tutoring might be an option. Especially with the chaos that lockdown has caused

@Babyroobs that makes sense now. Bloody entitled to telling me to apply, was hoping it would help out as DP likely to be made redundant and end of month, I’m looking for jobs, so thought I’d apply as it suggested it but it obviously doesn’t know everything until you apply. Least I understand know, thank you. Great username btw