JSA stopped - any advice please?

[KK8]

Hi,

I left my husband 2 months ago and had to quit my job and move 100 miles away back to my mums with my 7yr old son after too long in an emotionally abusive marriage. We have found a place to live but can't move in until August. I've been claiming tax credits and income based JSA since I moved and have been desperately seeking work here what will be feesible with school etc, as I don't have anyone to have my son should I go back full time. My mum works nights so is asleep at school pick up time.

This morning I received a letter saying my JSA has been stopped as I left my job voluntarily, with no good reason for doing so, even though when I originally made the claim I explained my reasons for leaving a job I absolutely loved. I had no choice, I couldn't drive 100 miles a day to work and had nowhere to go locally after leaving my husband.

Has anyone had this before? Any advice? I'm now worried I won't be entitled to housing benefit etc..I've never claimed anything before and am still slightly baffled by how it all works. I have rung the jobcentre and the lady I spoke to said it sounded ludicrous that they'd 'sanctioned' me and now I have to wait for an appeal.

Argh just want to run away!!!! Thanks in advance for any helpful

Helpful advice that should read, obviously!

Appeal. They can't reasonably expect you to be able to continue in a job after having to move 100 miles to get out of an abusive relationship.

You can ring the JSA line and ask them to lodge an appeal for you and send you the paperwork.

You DIDN'T leave your job voluntarily, you were fleeing an abusive relationship.

Good luck, they do this sometimes, but you should win on appeal, and they will have to backdate your JSA to when they stopped it.

Also put in for a crisis loan if you are desperate for money - it will show them that you have no other income and need to support yourself.

I really hope you get things sorted soon. Just to add, if you are low-mid income, you can get 70% of childcare costs paid. May be worth considering a childminder for before/after school as that wil open up more job opportunities for you, and would probably be a big help in school holidays.

Yes appeal. Form gl24 with in 28 days of decision letter. You need to give reasons (explain circumstances fully) and enclose evidence of the break up/domestic violence if you have it. You can continue to receive HB while you're appealing but you may need to communicate with local authority about it.
Good luck