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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To go on jsa for a bit

76 replies

Sereneocean · 13/07/2015 07:37

Am going to have a period where I can't work as I am a supply teacher and obviously the 6 week holiday is coming up and so I was wondering is it unreasonable to claim jsa during this time otherwise have no money?

OP posts:
ginghambunny · 13/07/2015 07:41

Will you be actively looking for other work and happy to do that rather than supply teaching if something comes up?

downgraded · 13/07/2015 07:42

No it's not unreasonable but be aware that it takes ages to process your claim so it's unlikely to help pay the bills in the short term.

I did some supply while on jsa a few years ago and ended up turning work down - to work more than 16 hours a week wasn't worth it because it took so long to reinstate my benefits if I worked more than that one week (so got kicked off jsa) then had no work the following week and had to go back on it.

Jsa isn't really for short periods of unemployment. I was actually better turning supply work down and staying on benefits. Stupid system.

avocadotoast · 13/07/2015 07:42

I don't think it's unreasonable, but they'll fully expect you to be seeking employment while you're claiming.

Also, do you live with a partner? If so you may not be entitled to anything anyway.

Original poster
Sereneocean · 13/07/2015 07:50

No don't have a partner.

Ah I didn't realise that about short term claims Sad

In theory I would do another job in practice I'm just so exhausted - I don't want to start in September completely worn out as I've been working all summer.

OP posts:
WayneRooneysHair · 13/07/2015 07:50

I've never heard of supply teachers doing this.

Does this mean that my wife who works term time only can claim JSA too? I don't think so somehow.

MistressChalk · 13/07/2015 07:52

Yes you would be unreasonable. It's there to help those seeking employment, not to top you up for 6 weeks. I can appreciate that's a crap situation for you but you shouldnt receive JSA in this case unless you will actually be looking for a job, have you started job hunting?

wigglesrock · 13/07/2015 07:54

You want to go on JSA because you're exhausted and would like 6 weeks off? Christ the night I really have heard it all .

Penfold007 · 13/07/2015 07:55

Wayne if your wife's contract is term time onl and she is genuinely seeking work during the school holidays she can apply for JSA.

ilovesooty · 13/07/2015 07:55

The clue is in the name. You are expected to be actively seeking work.

Original poster
Sereneocean · 13/07/2015 07:55

I do actually have a second job Mistress but having worked 60 hours a week since September (excluding holidays - which I'm not paid for!) I am pretty exhausted and feeling it.

I start a post in September which is pretty demanding and I don't know - just wanted a break :)

Wayne, I have, but didn't know it was still possible or not. Depends if your wife is paid during the holidays or not - most teachers are and school staff but supply is on a daily basis this no pay parity.

OP posts:
NormaStits · 13/07/2015 07:56

If you're exhausted, that suggests to me that you've been doing a lot of supply work. You get paid a higher daily rate than contracted staff and it's meant to be partly to account for the lack of holiday pay.

That's how it worked when I did supply anyway. I never claimed jsa in the 6 weeks holidays mostly because it was too much faff, as pps have said it takes ages to kick in, the holidays will be over before you get much money.

Original poster
Sereneocean · 13/07/2015 07:56

Fair point sooty

:)

OP posts:
MistressChalk · 13/07/2015 07:58

Why should you get free money for taking a 6 week break?

ilovesooty · 13/07/2015 07:59

I work closely with the job centres. Honestly it simply isn't viable if you're returning to teaching in September.

WayneRooneysHair · 13/07/2015 08:01

My post was tongue in cheek, yes her contract is term time only but she is glad of the break and she gets a month holiday pay during the summer holiday so money isn't too much of an issue.

gamerchick · 13/07/2015 08:02

If you have a second job you wouldn't be entitled to jsa anyway would you?

MannUp · 13/07/2015 08:02

You realise most people work full time without 6 weeks off for the summer?

Original poster
Sereneocean · 13/07/2015 08:02

No I understand that sooty.

Just one of those "oh I wonder if ..." That you think about on Monday mornings when you're exhausted!

You're quite right Mistress, but the difficulty is because I've been in a slightly precarious position (through no fault of my own I must add!) I just haven't had a break of any description - I have worked weekends and 3 evenings during the week due to not being paid for holidays and it has worn me out a bit.

I'm not saying I should, just an idea that crossed my mind, as I have never claimed any benefits before and had no idea!

OP posts:
Original poster
Sereneocean · 13/07/2015 08:03

I'll be giving up the second job in September anyway gamer

OP posts:
MistressChalk · 13/07/2015 08:09

Ok well no you can't claim JSA because they do all sorts of stuff like check your job history and bank balances etc. (well I don't know for sure if they check your balance but I had to declare I had no money to pay for food or anything). So it's unlikely you would be eligible. But benefits are there to help those with nothing and JSA isnt just the £50 odd quid a week, it's a programme to help you find work. Hence the name. So no you shouldn't receive any handouts for choosing to take a break.

Lokisglowstickofdestiny · 13/07/2015 08:12

This is why the Tories welfare cuts are getting support.

Original poster
Sereneocean · 13/07/2015 08:14

That's a bit unfair Lok; I've never claimed benefits and probably never will.

It was an idea that drifted into my mind after nearly 46 weeks of 60 hour a week plus working.

OP posts:
LaurieFairyCake · 13/07/2015 08:15

Yes, you should claim.

You won't get it unless you're actually entitled to it. People should claim the benefits their entitled to.

If you're entitled to it you will get contribution based JSA meaning you've paid enough tax this year to get it.

The onus on 'finding a job' is much less on contribution based JSA.

I believe you will be entitled to it Smile

KatieScarlettreregged · 13/07/2015 08:16

You can claim but you will get nothing for the first week and will absolutely have to provide evidence of daily job search in order to get paid. It also depends on whether you are going back to the same supply job as evidence will be sought from your last employer in order to establish whether this is a usual pattern of absence or not.

avocadotoast · 13/07/2015 08:17

Considering you have a second job you probably won't be entitled to anything at all then. Even if you give it up now, if you've left a job intentionally for no valid reason that would affect your claim.

Thinking about it actually, DH was on JSA a few years ago and I'm sure it took a couple of months for his money to come through. I think he'd started his new job by the time it came.