Job Seekers Allowance

[wheaten]

Would it be easy for me to claim job seekers allowance and am i entitled to it?
A year ago i left a fairly high-powered, well paid job as my husband's job moved him to a small, cr@ppy town with no train station and an hour's bus trip to the nearest large town (i can't drive). Since then i have been to several interviews and have had a couple of part time jobs (i have decided i only want part-time work in shops at the moment as i'm still finding my feet and have been ill due to the stress of moving/change). i have never claimed before as i don't want to be a sponger but when i think of the people who live in the woods near us, cause trouble and are drunk all the time, i think i may be entitled to something! My husband gets a good wage and i have no savings but any extra money would help with bills etc. If i fill in the forms,have an interview etc at the job centre would i be accepted? I think it takes some time to process. I am more than willing to attend interviews as long as they are local.
Any ideas? Many thanks

[ciaraciara]

Basically, someone comes out from the Job seekers' people and does a means' test on your income. So they'll come in and ask you questions about exactly what you and your spouse are earning and what your outgoing cash is being spent on etc.. They will then assess whether or not you're entitled to an allowance. My sister got it in about 2 months overall so it's not too long a wait if you get started on the form-filling !! :)

[ummmm]

The number is in the link...

http://www.direct.gov...ngforwork/DG_10018757

[ummmm]

Just looked at it...you can even claim on line...

[wheaten]

Thanks Cia, all money goes on mortgage, bills, car, pets and food! No holiday (even in the UK) for over a year and i'm making do with clothes, make-up etc which i 'rediscovered' during the move, so no treats either! I'll go into the centre tomorrow, i should be entitled as i've probably paid out my share to others over the years.
Thank you

[ummmm]

No worries...

[ciaraciara]

haha make sure you drop in the bit about the rediscovered makeup if you get a woman.... she'll HAVE to relate to that ;) I'd say you'll have no problem getting it as there's a lot of people better off than you who have it!! Good luck :)

[Buenchico]

You can't claim at your local Jobcentre. You MUST do so either online or by phone. (The Jobcentre will simply give you the phone number).

If your National Insurance contributions are up to date, you'll get Contribution-Based Job Seeker's Allowance, which is not means-tested. That lasts for 6 months. Thereafter, those who are eligible for it receive Income-Based JSA, but you WON'T get that because it's means-tested and your husband's income will prevent you from qualifying.

Chris