Job seekers allowance

[alicebear87]

Hi

My brother in law has been asked to leave his last two posts as he cannot work fast enough to satisfy the employer (he has learning difficulties) and is now coming to the end of sixth months on JSA.

We are wondering what happens next as a lot of the info on the net seems to be contradictory. Will the JSA continue or will he be entitled to any other benefit?

Thanks in advance

[Buenchico]

There are two types of JSA. Given that your post refers to your brother-in-law nearing the end of a 6 month entitlement, I assume that he's been receiving contribution-based JSA. That's paid to people who've made a sufficient number of National Insurance contributions prior to becoming unemployed. There's no 'means test' applied and it lasts for up to 6 months.

Someone who's unemployed but not entitled to contribution-based JSA (either because they've not paid enough National Insurence or who, like your brother-in-law, has come to the end of the 6 month period) is normally eligible for income-based JSA. The full rate is exactly the same as contribution-based JSA but the entitlement is reduced if the claimant has over �6000 in savings.

You state that information on the net seems to be contradictory. I can assure you that my post is accurate because I'm currently receiving income-based JSA after coming to the end of my 6 month entitlement for contribution-based JSA. Further I can provide a link to the official DirectGov website:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefit s/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Employedor lookingforwork/DG_10018757

Chris

[alicebear87]

Thanks for that, its very useful.

Good luck finding a job soon as well!