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Original poster

JSA after maternity allowance

37 replies

tommy19 · 01/05/2022 13:15

My wife has finished her maternity and left her old job due to childcare costs etc. She was on maternity allowance as she didn't work/earn enough.

She has tried to claim jobseekers who have rejected her (see attached letter).

Is there anything that can be done? Do you not get class 1 NI credits for being on maternity allowance?

JSA after maternity allowance
OP posts:
dementedpixie · 01/05/2022 13:22

Is she jobseeking?
Would you not still have childcare issues?

LIZS · 01/05/2022 13:25

It counts towards Pension but not eligibilty for contributions based benefits.

jimboandthejetset · 01/05/2022 13:25

So is she trying to seek income based JSA? If so, then I think because MA is a benefit (not earned) rather than SMP, that year won't count.
Also if she is seeking JSA she has to be available for work. I understand if someone has voluntarily given up work then they may not be entitled to claim.

Original poster
tommy19 · 01/05/2022 13:32

Yes she will be job seeking, something more flexible than her previous job, to work around my hours.

So theres no help for her then? I dont really know all the different benefits etc.

OP posts:
LIZS · 01/05/2022 13:32

LIZS · 01/05/2022 13:25

It counts towards Pension but not eligibilty for contributions based benefits.

Assuming she registered for child benefit. MA itself does not accrue ni credit.

dementedpixie · 01/05/2022 13:33

Universal Credit maybe depending on what you earn

Viviennemary · 01/05/2022 13:34

I agree. Its because you haven't paid the required contributions of national insurance during the second qualifying year. Depending what your partner earns you might be entitled to some Universal credit.

dementedpixie · 01/05/2022 13:35

This says you should get class 1 credits on maternity allowance

JSA after maternity allowance
Original poster
tommy19 · 01/05/2022 13:38

The reason she didnt pay the second year was because she was looking after our first child (born in june 2019) and our second was born aug 2021.

OP posts:
LIZS · 01/05/2022 13:38

I think credits are different to contributions. JSA is contributions based. Pension is credit based.

Original poster
tommy19 · 01/05/2022 13:39

dementedpixie · 01/05/2022 13:35

This says you should get class 1 credits on maternity allowance

Ive read that too but apparently not?

OP posts:
Bagadverts · 01/05/2022 13:57

What were the contributions or credits over the two tax years mentioned? Government website indicates class 1 credits during maternity allowance. This can count towards new style JSA. So it might be about the other tax year. It appears from Entitled to that one year must be contributions not credits. Best thing is probably calling and asking them to explain.

SoggyPaper · 01/05/2022 14:01

Is she going to be a SAHM?

depending on your income, it would be a Household UC claim.

Original poster
tommy19 · 01/05/2022 14:31

The letter didnt mention anything about credits, just theres a ni gap in 2020/2021. From April 2020 June 2020 she was employed but on unpayed maternity leave, from June 2020 to Sept 2020 she was unemployed.

From Sept 2020 to march 2022 she was employed but under 16 hours a week so she claimed new style job seeker (which you can also claim ni class 1 credits for?) from sept 2020 to feb 2021 (6 months).

Shes not a SAHM but childcare costs are too much.

OP posts:
LIZS · 01/05/2022 15:48

But if she has decided not to work due to childcare costs she is not a Jobseeker but by default a sahm .

Under345C0ver543 · 02/05/2022 11:14

Have you tried a joint claim for universal credit ?

Overthebow · 02/05/2022 11:23

What’s your income? It might be that your eligible for UC. If not then no I don’t think she’ll be able to get job seekers. Do you claim child benefit?

SoggyPaper · 02/05/2022 11:24

You can get some help for childcare costs in UC if you’re eligible.

Under345C0ver543 · 02/05/2022 11:34

If you don't work shifts eg you work days Mon to fri

Your DW can work evenings or weekends ?

Original poster
tommy19 · 03/05/2022 11:45

Unfortunately I work a 4 on 4 off rotating shift pattern so it’s hard to find work around my shift. I also earn around £53k so we don’t get help from UC. Yes she claims child benefit.

OP posts:
confusedlots · 03/05/2022 11:57

I went from maternity allowance to JSA. My employer went bust just before I was due to start maternity leave so couldn't pay me SMP and I claimed maternity allowance instead. When that came to an end and I was starting to look for a new job I claimed JSA, although I wasn't eligible for income based JSA, only contributions based JSA.

Butitsnotfunnyisititsserious · 03/05/2022 11:57

LIZS · 01/05/2022 15:48

But if she has decided not to work due to childcare costs she is not a Jobseeker but by default a sahm .

This. From the sounds of it, due to your shift work she won't be looking for a job. So job seekers is not a benefit for her. They won't pay her to be a SAHM.

wanttokickoffbutcant · 03/05/2022 11:59

If you earn over £50k you will have to pay some of the child benefit back.

Overthebow · 03/05/2022 12:37

tommy19 · 03/05/2022 11:45

Unfortunately I work a 4 on 4 off rotating shift pattern so it’s hard to find work around my shift. I also earn around £53k so we don’t get help from UC. Yes she claims child benefit.

At £53k you won't get help. Also if your wife is claiming child benefit, be aware that you'll need to pay some back as you are over the threshold for the full amount.

Skyeheather · 03/05/2022 12:43

She won't be entitled to any benefits if the household income is £53k. As her partner you'll be expected to pay for her until she finds a job.