Job seekers benefit

[evedawn]

I'm desperately hoping I won't need to claim but..,. My contract expires next month. Ivenot managedto find Another replacement role. My husband us self employedand hours vary between 20hr per week and 30 Hr per week. I'm the main breadwinner. I've rung jobseekers who were as useful as a chocolate teapot! Which type if JSA should I claim (if j don't find a job when mine expires). Is there help I can get with my mortgage council tax etc? What criteria do they take into account? As said I hope NOT to claim but just worried if u don't get a replacement role straight away.

[Buenchico]

If your National Insurance contributions are up to date, you'll be entitled to receive Contribution-Based JSA for up to 6 months. It's NOT means-tested, so your husband's income will be irrelevant. However Contribution-Based JSA doesn't qualify you for other benefits, such as free NHS prescriptions or for SMI (= Support for Mortgage Interest).

If you remain unemployed for 6 months, your right to Contribution-Based JSA will cease. You can then apply for Income-Based JSA but that IS means-tested, so your husband's income will be taken into account when assessing your entitlement. If you qualify for I-B JSA, you'll then also automatically qualify for other benefits (including free NHS prescriptions and SMI).

Council Tax Benefit is available to any household with a low income, irrespective of their employment status of those within the household or any other benefits which they might be receiving.

Chris

[factor-fiction]

I always found the staff to be helpful.
Have a look on here - I think it is set out clearly

[factor-fiction]

Sorry- the missing link!:
http://www.direct.gov...ngforwork/DG_10018757

[evedawn]

Thank you both. Chris ur explanation was great! Factor - yup theman on the phone at jib centre was pleasant but... He simply did NOT explain it clearly and I was more confused after the call than before lol.

[MrMister]

Chris/Buenchico is one of the best AB'ers