Illness whilst on Contribution based JSA

[sunny-dave]

I have a friend (yes really I do) who is currently unemployed - four months so far & not much in the way of hope for the immediate future.

Because of his savings/assets whatever, he is only receiving the absolute minimum "contributions based JSA" and even that will end after six months payments.

He is currently suffering from a combination of anxiety/depression and this is significantly reducing his chances of getting another job.

He obviously has the option of registering as 'sick' (with a certificate from his GP after 2 weeks if necessary), but I'm not sure I can see any point in this - I can't see that he will get any sickness benefit and it will (I presume) merely 'stop-the-clock' on the JSA with the total of up to six months payments merely being resumed (if he is still unemployed) once he is well again.

Perhaps someone who understand the vagaries of the system could offer some more 'informed advice'.

Thanks

dave

[sandyRoe]

Sickness benefit isn't means tested. It's more, but not much more than JSA. He should apply as he's unwell.

[sunny-dave]

Would any weeks of sickness benefit be deducted from the 6 months of contributions based JSA, Sandy?

[sandyRoe]

I'm sorry, I don't know. But I'm sure there'll be an expert along shortly...

[sunny-dave]

Thank you - I'm sure there will ...

[mrs_overall]

I'm an expert...on knitting patterns...if I can be of any help?

[Shazza36]

He can declare a period of sickness for up to 14 days on his JSA claim which would mean he can be excused from attendance and Jobsearch during that period. If its more longer term than that and his GP issues a medical certificate for longer than the 14 days he can sign off JSA and make a claim for ESA (Employment Support Allowance, previously incapacity Benefit)- Contribution Based.This lasts for longer than JSA Contribution Based, when he becomes well again and if he hasn't found work he can reclaim JSA and receive the remainder of his 26 weeks Contribution Based. Hope this helps

[sunny-dave]

Thanks shazza - excellent info - and potentially very useful.

I'll pass it on over the weekend & then it's pretty much up to him to decide what to do.

Cheers

dave

[sunny-dave]

... oh and thanks to Mrs O. as well - I might just advise that he gets in touch for some crochet based therapy - although only if I am safely at least 100 miles away when I make the suggestion ... ;+()

[sandyRoe]

Mrs_O had me knitting my brows with her suggestion.

[mrs_overall]

You lot are so funny - you have me in stitches