Deciding to leave work but can I still claim JSA

[tgm1974]

Hi everyone

Not sure if this is the correct forum to be in but I'm currently on maternity leave at present and due to return back work. I work shifts which change between earlies (7.30am-3.30pm) and lates (1.30pm-9.30pm) throughout the week, including weekends. I have two children aged 4yrs (in full time school) and a 9 month old.

My Manager has blocked me at every avenue with requests for specific working shifts and will only agree to let me work Mon-Thur early shifts when ideally I wanted 9.30-4pm (ish) due to my husbands work also.

Anyhow, after much discussion with my husband we have decided it will work better for us, as a family, if I leave work (for now) til I can find something more part time and workable around the children.

Am I allowed to still claim "dole" even though I have left work until i find another job. Ive been paying my NI forever but is this enough. My work are also trying to make us work night shifts (9.30pm-7.30am) which I physically cannot do with the children. We do need that extra help from JSA but unsure if they would help with the reason I left. I'm also suffering from PND so the added stress of my job would not help me on this level either but I do not just want to "stay in the sick" until I find another job, that's just not something I could do!

Thanks

[dotty.]

your husband would probably be able to claim family/child tax crdit instead, you'll get NI credits through family allowance, don't think you will get dole aswell, but someone else may be more up to date than me

[2sp_]

I doubt you would get JSA, but you may get Working Tax Credits and/or Child Tax Credits.

I'm sure others will know better than me though.

[dotty.]

http://www.turn2us.or.../benefits_search.aspx

[tgm1974]

Hi again

We already receive Working Tax Credits and have done for past 3 years. Just needed that little extra help whilst not working to help tied us over!

[annie0000]

Job Seekers allowance is for people looking for jobs. I know that sounds obvious, and I don't mean to be sarky, but unless you are actively seeking work then you wont be able to claim - they should be expecting evidence of looking for work from you on a regular basis. If you are actively looking for something more suitable then I think you will be entitled but I think you have to wait if you have voluntarily given up your job - it used to be 6 months.

[tgm1974]

Yes I am still looking for work and have attended interviews over the past few weeks so its not a case of never wanting to work, I just need something more relaxed and workable around the children.

[droopydrawers]

I'm not sure if you put yourself out of a job you would qualify for JSA?

DD

[THECORBYLOON]

If you leave voluntarily without good reason, the JSA will be sanctioned or stopped for thirteen weeks. Any days between the job ending and the date of claim will be deducted from the sanction period.