A benefits question

[G0ldenbrown]

Was not sure where to put this, hope here is ok.

I'm an unemployed teacher, been actively seeking work since October but everyone wants NQTs. So, I claim job seekers. I have been claiming since December.
However, I am now 10 wks pregnant and I'm not sure where that leaves me for my job seekers. I cant see anyone employing me while pregnant, so will I lose my job seekers as soon as I declare it?

Have tried ringing CAB but can't get through and I have a meeting with job centre tomorrow. Hubby works full time but fairly low wage.

I'd be grateful for any advice.

Hi :)

Legally employers aren't allowed to discriminate against you for being pregnant (the reality is a whole nother kettle of fish!) - so I would doubt very much it was have any baring on your JSA. All that would happen, I'd have thought, is that you'd switch to Statutory Maternity Allowance when you give birth, but the job centre should be able to advise you on that.

I am fairly surprised you have been able to get job seeker's pay if your husband is working full time - when my husband was out of work and seeking, he tried to claim, but because I was earning £500pm maternity at the time, it was just over the maximum allowance so we didn't get anything - rubbish!! Thinking about that now though, it may have been because you're only allowed to receive a certain amount of benefits per month, which includes maternity... I thought that was grossly unfair, since my £500 wasn't even enough to cover our rent and we weren't entitled to any housing benefit or anything else! Not sure how people succeed in claiming thousands in benefits...

I wouldn't have thought you'd lose it just because you're now pregnant.

Assume your on JSA(c) which is contribution based and awarded for a max of 26 wks. You are entitled to this regardless of other income, if you met the qualifying contributions in the two previous tax years.
JSA is awarded if you are actively seeking and available for work... Provided you are, pregnancy will not factor into this.
Hubby's income will be taken into account when your conts based JSA exhausts. If he is working more than 24hrs a week then you will not qualify for income based JSA(ib). Tax credits will suppliment your household income so please ensure you are claiming what you are entitled to.
Please ask at Job Centre for any further advice and clarify when your conts based exhausts so you will be prepared for the loss of income.

I have claimed jas in the past and had to keep claiming up until 11wks before babies due date then when you are on the 11th week before your baby is due u can swap onto income support. I'm sure it is still the same. Ask them next time you have to sign on.

This wont effect your JSA at all. I was in exactly the same position (well an NQT/pregnant) however I have two children already and the advice they gave me was that as long as you are actively seeking work and available via Jobcentre apts etc then it will be fine.

I am being supported by my partner until I feel ready to start again (probably Jan 2013 now) but can apply for JSA when ready...just ensure you tell tax credits/housing of any changes.

danielou Income support is not payable at 29wks if, as OP states, Hubby is bringing a wage into the household (of more than 24hrs p/w).

I was in a similar position teacher claiming JSA until 29 weeks pregnant and you are right no-one will employ you but you have to actively seek. What I did find though was that because I worked 26 weeks in the last 66 that I am entitled to MA of 128.00 per week which is more than JSA for 39 weeks so check this out.