can i claim job seekers allowance?

[fun12]

i have chosen to be a stay at home mum to my 2 children, now aged 4 and 6, but have always known i need to go back to work when my youngest goes to school. W e really couldn't afford to live on 1 salary, hence i genuinely need a job.

What i want to know is, am i entitled to job seekers allowance even though i decided not to work before my children went to school?

Are you with a partner. If so i dont think you can?

I'm thinking you can't claim income based Jobseekers allowance if you have a partner in full time work. Contribution based JSA used to be paid for 6 months so in that case partner poss is in full-time work but like I say this is for 6 months only but only if you have enough national insurance contributions from your last employment. Can you not claim working tax credit?? I know nothing about that!! Are you getting your child tax credit? Also are you renting? Possibly qualify for housing benefit? Is there a reduction in council tax?

Have I asked more questions than answered !! :)

Entitled to website??? Or Citizens Advice are good.

No, although you CAN choose to sign on as looking for work and be classed as an active job seeker and potentially eligible for any schemes etc.

If you claimed JSA Cont now your contributions would be calculated on the tax years 09/10 and 08/09, you would have to have been working for one of these years in full and six months at the least on the other in order to qualify.

JSA IB is means tested. If your DH is in full time employment, forget it.

Try WTC instead as other poster says.

Google "entitled to" and you should be able to find out about any unclaimed benefit entitlement.