JSA

I'm om ESA but I was wondering a few things about JSA. Do you sign on every week or fortnight? What happens if you would like to go on holiday, would you lose your benfits? If you found a parttime job, say 10 hours (5day x 2hours) @ £6 per hour would you be able to claim any other benefits like IS or JSA or something else because the earnings £60 is less than JSA and the assessment rate of ESA. And does anyone know anything about the work programme, what it involves and what you have to do - I worry that if you are declared 'fit' but you are not, and you can't participate fully in the programme because of your health then you will end up being santioned through no fault of your own.

As moderators our area of expertise is in relation to disability living allowance, attendance allowance, the personal capability assessment used in connection with incapacity benefits, and the work capability assessment used in connection with employment and support allowance. So those are the only subjects on which we can provide reliable information.

If the forum members can respond and assist with your JSA enquiry however, it is always open for them to reply if they so wish?

Thanks for your reply CD. I'm very sorry I didn't mean to waste anyone's time. I just thought 'Benefits and Work' meant all benefits. Sorry.

As a quick guide you sign on every fortnight. At the initial interview you complete a work agreement which you have to adhere to.
I would try not to worry about this if you have not been put on JSA.
Seek advice if you are regarding paid work, earnings disregard and possible affects on Housing/Council tax benefit.

Mumsgirl, I can give you a little info.

The first 13 weeks you sign on fortnightly, then they escalate to weekly - supposedly to give you more support in finding work. In reality it's just extra pressure and more chances for you to miss meeting one of the requirements and then get sanctioned.

You have to show evidence of your job seeking activities - like contacting agencies, applying for jobs etc. - every time you attend.

If you have health problems, claiming JSA is very likely to worsen them.

There are internet sites (both government and independent) with more info on various aspects including allowed part-time earnings (very low allowance but I can't remember exactly).