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AIBU?

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Original poster

To be p*ssed off that dh was advised to commit benefit fraud

44 replies

OracleInaCoracle · 09/10/2010 13:30

by a jobcentre advisor.

dh has been claiming JSA for the last 4m but has been out of work since may. he recieves £36pw and we get HB and CTB. I am unable to work due to health problems and had to resign in july. he has been offered a job at a new shop opening near us, its in the stock room at 12h pw. not v much at all, but its a job. and at least he can continue looking in the meantime! anyhoo, yesterday he went to his ritual humilliation sign on/JSA meeting and told the blokey about his new job.

we were hoping for advice on how our benefits would change and would hope that we would be a teensey bit better off. but no. he was told that he shouldnt have declared it and was given a form to fill in every week declaring his hours etc. in the run up to xmas we were hoping that he would get more hours but now we dont know where we stand and could well be much worse off. but at least dh will have a job. but im pissed off that he was told that he shouldnt have declared the new job. illegal, no?

OP posts:
Mumcentreplus · 09/10/2010 16:55

To a certain degree unfortunately honesty affects your claim and once you have given the information it is the jobcentres position to act upon said information...

Original poster
OracleInaCoracle · 09/10/2010 16:55

its v frustrating. last week we saw a local bloke getting out of his brand new jag, dh saw him signing on. he is a known drug dealer. and the problem is, the majority of people DONT defraud the system and try hard to get off benefits, yet these are the ones who will be hit hardest.

OP posts:
Original poster
OracleInaCoracle · 09/10/2010 17:00

i know. im glad that we did disclose the info, i couldnt have lived with the guilt if we hadnt. we have covered our backs which is a good thing. there are other benefits that I am apparently entitled to, so we do have options. its just dh was so pleased to have finally got another job. he was made redundant 5y ago and got another job in feb on a temp contract, they finished the contract in may and its been a real struggle. he is a buyer by trade, and has taken this job because there is nothing else around here and we cant afford to move because he is oout of work. vicious circle.

OP posts:
nickelbabe · 09/10/2010 17:01

hey Mumcentreplus! Grin

nickelbabe · 09/10/2010 17:03

lissie - it looks better on his CV that he did part-time work whilst looking for full-time work.
It tells the employer that he really is keen to be working and they like that. :)

Original poster
OracleInaCoracle · 09/10/2010 17:05

true, i keep chanting "its easier to find a job when youve got a job" at him.

OP posts:
Mumcentreplus · 09/10/2010 17:11

Thats what i always say to jobseekers lissie ...it is better to be in work and look for work..it shows you have commitment and drive..someone is already willing to employ you...and people tend to employ people who are already working...

onadietcokebreak · 09/10/2010 17:21

IS your partner only receiving JSA contribution based or claiming for you too? If so it will be £20 disregarded.

Obviously there is other income as your JSA is so low.

Original poster
OracleInaCoracle · 09/10/2010 17:28

he only recieves income based JSA, i receive IB though which is roughly £100pw

OP posts:
onadietcokebreak · 09/10/2010 17:34

Well its a £20 disregard from earnings then not £5 as mentioned above. Whats the hourly rate hes expecting?

Sounds like his JSA includes the disability premium too as you have been ill for more than 52wks- check your letters though just to be sure- its very common for this for be missed off.

Original poster
OracleInaCoracle · 09/10/2010 17:41

its £6.50ph (iirc) i have been told that i am eligible for DLA, but tbh im not holding my breath!

OP posts:
onadietcokebreak · 09/10/2010 17:45

You will be over the limit by £22. Just check yours partners letter to make sure they are paying you a disability premium.

Once he manages to get 16hrs you can claim WTC. You will almost certainly still be entitled to housing better.

How long has it been claiming JSA for?

He can still sign on every fortnight for his National insurance credit.

Original poster
OracleInaCoracle · 09/10/2010 17:45

thank you everyone for the advice btw. its truly appreciated

OP posts:
onadietcokebreak · 09/10/2010 17:46

Ignore last question.....see in OP its been 4 mths.

Original poster
OracleInaCoracle · 09/10/2010 17:47

he has only been claiming for 4m, i had to give up my permitted work in july because my condition took a sudden turn for the worse.

OP posts:
BrightLightBrightLight · 09/10/2010 17:50

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
OracleInaCoracle · 09/10/2010 17:52

thanks, will have a look. iceland would probably offer him some hours (its where i used to work) but he will get hammered on tax.

OP posts:
ValentinCrimble · 09/10/2010 19:52

He could also check out the Post Office sorting depot..they always need extra staff at Christmas.

Mumcentreplus · 10/10/2010 00:31

True Val...there are jobs currently in the Post office, Boots and WH Smiths for Christmas staff...

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