Warning for thousands on jobseeker’s allowance who could have their payments STOPPED over summer holiday mistake
ANYONE getting jobseeker’s allowance could find their payments are stopped over a simple summer holiday error.
JSA claimants who are heading overseas for a break must tell the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) of your plans because it could be seen as a change of circumstance.
If you don't, you could see your claim stopped, or reduced, and you might have to cut your holiday short.
Plus, you might have to pay a fine worth between £350 and £5,000.
This is because not reporting a change in circumstances can be classed as benefit fraud.
If you land yourself in this situation, you can see your benefits frozen while your claim is being investigated and you might even have to go to court.
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Claimants must be in the UK to receive JSA.
However, they can go abroad for as long as two weeks while still receiving JSA, but if they inform the DWP and are actively seeking work during this period.
Longer absences can result in the suspension or termination of their benefit.
You can apply for New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) to help you when you’re looking for work.
You cannot apply for income-based JSA any more.
You could get Universal Credit at the same time or instead of New Style JSA.
There’s a maximum amount you can get - but how much you’re entitled to depends on your age.
Up to the age of 24, you’re entitled to £71.70 every week, while those over the age of 24 get £90.50 a week.
All benefits, pensions and allowances are usually paid into your bank or building society account.
You may have to wait up to 7 days after applying for your JSA to start, and up to 2 weeks after that to get your first payment.
Your first payment may not be for the full amount.
You must tell Jobcentre Plus if your circumstances change, for example you start working or your income changes.
What is JSA and who gets it?
Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) is an unemployment benefit you can claim while looking for work.
To be eligible for New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) you’ll need to have both:
- worked as an employee
- paid Class 1 National Insurance contributions, usually in the last 2 to 3 years (National Insurance credits can also count)
You will not be eligible if you were self-employed and only paid Class 2 National Insurance contributions, unless you were working as a share fisherman or a volunteer development worker.
You’ll also need to:
- be 18 or over (there are some exceptions if you’re 16 or 17 - contact Jobcentre Plus for advice)
- be under the State Pension age
- not be in full-time education
- be available for work
- not be working at the moment, or be working less than 16 hours per week on average
- not have an illness or disability which stops you from working
- live in the UK
While you receive JSA, you’ll need to take reasonable steps to look for work as agreed with your work coach.
Your savings and your partner’s income and savings will not affect your claim.
You can get New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) for up to 182 days (about 6 months). After this you can talk to your work coach about your options.
You might be able to get Universal Credit at the same time or instead of New Style JSA.
If you get both benefits, your New Style JSA payments:
- count as income when claiming Universal Credit
- will reduce the amount of Universal Credit you receive
Your New Style JSA will usually be paid more regularly than Universal Credit. You’ll also get different National Insurance credits which count towards your State Pension and help you qualify for other benefits.
This includes going on holiday.
This might affect how much Jobseekers’ Allowance (JSA) you get.
If you get more than one benefit, you’ll need to report your change to each benefit office.
If you get New Style JSA, you must report if you:
- change your name, address, bank details or telephone number
- become ill or go into hospital
- start or stop caring for someone
- start or stop education, training or an apprenticeship
- start a job, including self-employment
- do any paid, unpaid or voluntary work, even if it is only for a few hours
- start getting, stop getting, or get a different amount of other benefits or pensions
- leave Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) for any period of time
- go on holiday, including holidays in Great Britain
You can report a change of circumstances by:
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- calling the JSA helpline
- writing to the Jobcentre Plus office that pays your JSA - the address is on the letters you get about your JSA
If you’re claiming Universal Credit as well as New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), you must report changes to both services.