Is it worth trying to claim JSA even if i quit my job?

[JJy2k]

I know they will turn me down because I left my job, but I did so in order to pursue starting a small business which has failed to make money. I know they will tell me the 'having to wait 26 weeks' bit, but should I try anyway?

[Ethel]

You should to get your NI credits, even if you don't receive any money

[JJy2k]

But in order to get the NI sorted, I would have to be in receipt of JSA so will they not just turn me down completely?

[buildersmate]

No, I'm pretty sure Ethel is right. There is a separation between being registered as seeking work (which gives you the NI credits) and being entitled to the JSA money (which you may not be).

[mrs_overall]

My sister was refused JSA but she still signs on at the Job Centre every 2 weeks so she can keep her Class I National Insurance credits up to date.

[JJy2k]

That kind of stinks really. Ok so my business didnt work out, but why shouldnt I be able to claim from the system?I've been paying into it for years.

[JJy2k]

No it's fine. You were not abrupt. I just meant that the DWP stinks for taking in the one hand but not giving with the other. Oh well, dont have any options now. No jobs around and no benefit. Too bad.

[THECORBYLOON]

You should claim the JSA as soon as possible because if you don't, it may not be backdated. Self-employed folk can claim JSA but the there are two types of JSA, one is based on NI Contributions JSA(CB) and the other is based on income JSA(IB).

The JSA(CB) is awarded using Class1 contributions, so any self-employed contributions don't count. Even if for whatever reason you don't qualify for the JSA(CB) you may get the income based bit (think of it as Income Support for the unemployed)

It's only folk who have been employed earners who get their JSA stopped for leaving a job voluntarily or through misconduct, so that will not affect you unless you're a postmaster or a limited company director for example.

If you dont qualify for payment of JSA you can still get yir NI Conts credited for as long as you sign on.

So then, to sum up CLAIM IT!

[boogieboogie]

INCOME SUPPORT Isn't Income Support what it says Income support, if you are not making any money you can still claim this to support your income or at least apply. It is different from Job Seekers allowance. It's worth applying for even if it's only for NI credits.

[boogieboogie]

There is also Working Tax Credits which tops up 0 or low income. Also worth a try.

[THECORBYLOON]

boogieboogie I'm not sure if you're saying that Income Support (IS) should be claimed in this case or no. If you are only unemployed ie not sick, caring or a lone-parent, you must claim JSA and not IS.