Job seekers allowance questions

[nymphadora]

Can't find the answers on directgov but if anyone can direct me then that would help!

1. Does it matter why you left a job? And is there a timescale on the reasons?

2.do you have to go for a job you are trained for or will they allow for a change of career?

1. What is taken into account regarding savings/partners income?

TIA

as far as i know

1.i am sure it does. you cant just walk out and get jsa straight away and you cant have it if sacked for gross misconduct

1. they let you get look for the job you want for about 10 weeks before they push you to take any job
2. you cant have more than 16k savings

i think the above is correct but not 100 sure. hope some one comes along with more info

Thanks.

1.dh leaving his job wasn't a standard reason so not sure how they deal with it

1. He doesn't want to return to it for a couple of years despite being lots of work available. He is happy with NMW job and has applied for loads in last few weeks even just picking ones he liked.
2. We are working through savings quite fast as I'm on mat leave too hence the question but we'd rather go as long as possible without.

Anyone else who knows?

a) start of payment will be delayed if he resigned (not sure how many weeks - check with the adviser): this can be waived if there is an unfair dismissal claim pending. I thought any sacking/redundancy/compulsory early retirement was covered though (irrespective of reason for sacking).

b) you can look for any sort of work, but you have to be actively seeking work - if you are undergoing training, you are unlikely to be able to claim JSA unless the weekly hours are very few. What you seek should however be plausible given your qualifications and experience. They expect you to get less fussy at each 3 month point: again the advisor will guide you.

c) can't remember the thresholds, but household earnings and savings are all counted for non-contributions based JSA. You qualify for NI contributions based JSA (irrespective of household income/assets) for the first 6 months after you stop work provided you have paid NI contributions in the previous 2(?) years.

Hope that helps.

Thanks.