Going back to JSA/UC after losing employment

Hey everyone!

Lot's of stuff have happened. A few months ago I got myself a job. It wasn't the best job but I had to be let go some weeks ago. While working there I got together with a person and we are now living together! They are still working so we are currently getting working tax credit.

Very recently I got in touch with my last JCP advisor to ask her a few questions about going back to JSA (or UC). I am now wondering if what she told me is correct.

1. She told me that I could get NI credits but no benefits paid to me if I claim JSA/UC.

2. I still have to sign on, look for work and I can be mandated just like anyone else on JSA/UC.

3. Even if I am not getting any benefits I could get sanctions if I don't comply, for up to three years. So if stuff changes (like my partner losing their job) there could be problems with money if I been sanctioned.

4. She had no idea about what would happen with our joint working tax credit claim.

Is she right on 1, 2 and 3? Also does anyone have any idea on what 4?

We will get working tax credit (£90 per week) until April next year, so might be worth waiting until then to open up a new claim of JSA/UC.

Thank you for reading

Jara wrote:Hey everyone!

Lot's of stuff have happened. A few months ago I got myself a job. It wasn't the best job but I had to be let go some weeks ago. While working there I got together with a person and we are now living together! They are still working so we are currently getting working tax credit.

Very recently I got in touch with my last JCP advisor to ask her a few questions about going back to JSA (or UC). I am now wondering if what she told me is correct.

Firstly, congratulations re meeting someone nice!

Secondly, shocking advice from your previous JCP adviser.  


1. She told me that I could get NI credits but no benefits paid to me if I claim JSA/UC.

If your partner continues to claim WTC as a joint claim you can only claim NI credits.

2. I still have to sign on, look for work and I can be mandated just like anyone else on JSA/UC.

If you claim NI credits you have to be available and actively seeking work.  

3. Even if I am not getting any benefits I could get sanctions if I don't comply, for up to three years. So if stuff changes (like my partner losing their job) there could be problems with money if I been sanctioned.

Your NI credits cannot be sanctioned.  WTCs cannot be sanctioned either and you cannot be mandated or directed to activities or provision.

4. She had no idea about what would happen with our joint working tax credit claim.

It is simple, your partner claims for the both of you, but only your partner will be awarded NI credits. Hence you need to claim your own if you choose to do so.  Sometimes it is not worth the effort.  You can safely miss the odd year here or there.   However, when making a contributory benefit they can occasionally come in handy.

Is she right on 1, 2 and 3? Also does anyone have any idea on what 4?

We will get working tax credit (£90 per week) until April next year, so might be worth waiting until then to open up a new claim of JSA/UC.

Thank you for reading

Links:

https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/201651/response/498541/attach/2/wdtk%201141%20final.pdf?cookie_passthrough=1

https://www.gov.uk/claim-tax-credits/joint-claims

https://revenuebenefits.org.uk/tax-credits/guidance/how-much-can-your-client-get/national-insurance-credits/

When a Jobseeker’s Direction must not be used
15.Therefore, a Jobseeker’s Direction must not be used to:
 for Credits Only claimants, as no penalty can be applied should they fail
to comply
https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/397071/response/962263/attach/4/3c.Jobseeker%20s%20Directions.pdf

I will add others if necessary.

Thank you Non Deficere!

I might wait a little bit before claiming then. But there is a certain appeal being able to cherry pick what to get from the Jobcentre without worrying about sanctions. Some of their SBWAs arn't that bad.