Claiming JSA as a single person

[DistantAutumn]

I am so pleased that I have found this site, and just wonder if there are others in the same boat as myself;-
I have lived with my partner for many years, however our finances are separate. I have been through the mill of late, with illness and problems with work. I am currently unemployed and living off ever dwindling savings. Apparently I am not entitled to JSA benefits, due to my partner's income. However my partner does not support me, and does not provide me with any financial assistance.
I am currently job hunting, but it's not easy. Does anyone know it I could claim any other type of benefits/? given my current situation.
I don't quite know what to do. Surely others must have the same problem.
I cannot insist on my partner providing financial help, it does seem however that the current benefit system does not seem to recognise this.
A nightmare situation.

You may qualify for contribution based JSA if you were working continuously for a certain amount of time before becoming unemployed. That JSA doesn't take in consideration your savings or the income of your partner.

I hear you. I left a man who was (amongst other forms of abuse) financially abusing me. It was tough.

I don't think you will be entitled to much if he has a good salary as it will be assumed that your finances are joint.

Why are your finances separate?! And why are they still separate even when you are unemployed, and unentitled to benefitis?!

He sounds a real gem

Good luck with the job hunting. When you gain a job, lose the 'partner' as he's shown he is not a partner. What does partner mean?!

HI, thanks for replying. Chandra, not entitled to JSA as not enough contributions, unfortunately.
Magaly, sorry to read that you were in the same boat,though probably worse in many respects. I hope things have improved for you.
Sadly I think you're right, I have helped him so much, just he is never there for me, think I have been slightly foolish. We have never had joint finances, I have respected his decision on this as he does very well financially. Just roll on getting another job so that I can move on. Life has a habit of throwing crap at you, just when you need it least!

See it as an opportunity, he may realise that letting you struggle while he is doing well is not on. Or, it is a realisation that the door is open for you to find another partner who is more willing to act as a team?

Do you have children? if so, how old are they? As a single mum of under 8s you can claim tax credits that may help you out until you find a job, it is not a lot of money but when in financial difficulties it makes a HUGE difference. Have you checked this website? www.entitledto.org.uk. It may help you to find out what you may be entitled to.

If you are ill you might be entitled to some benefits- it depends on your current (mental+ physical) health.

I am quite at you defining him as your 'partner' when he treats you like this.
Under certain circumstances you can challenge a 'living together as if married' benefits decision but that would depend on specific details eg kids together/where you both sleep/do you eat together/do you go on holiday together/do you have sex (although, this is actually the least important).

Are your finances completly seperate? If so how do you do food shopping? Pay bills? Whose name is the house/bills in?