should i carry on getting job seekers until i can get maternity allowance??

[lsharp]

hi
just a quick one, im currently on job seekers contribution based which runs out 2nd feb 2012. i am also pregnant due 15th feb 2012, i have rung maternity allowance people who seem to think i am entitled but i have to wait till im 26 weeks (2nd nov) to be able to apply, do i tell the job centre this or carry on going to sign on until i find out i am defently entitled to maternity allowance then tell job centre i dont need job seekers anymore? its just that everytime i go they put me on courses etc etc and i am not going to be seeking work after november. i also do not qualify for income based job seekers
thanks any help would be great

[factor-fiction]

To claim job seeker's allowance the name suggests you need to still be seeking work. However, while the Job Centre staff will want to see that you are making some attempts to find work I'm sure that if you explain that you are pregnant and having some problems with morning sickness etc they will probably not push you too hard on training courses. You will only have to sign on a couple more times anyway before 2nd Nov

[lsharp]

yes i no this, do do i tell job centre now that i might get MA or keep quiet till iv heard i def qualify??

[factor-fiction]

Does it matter? i don't see any need to mention anything about MA but also i don't see what harm it can do.

[THECORBYLOON]

You should tell the Jobcentre because it may affect the type of work you are able to do. If they offer you a vacancy and you refuse it without good reason the benefit can be stopped. You need to be available for work and looking for employment in order to get the JSA.