benefit

[marias]

I am married and selfemployed - working every day of the week in the craft business - which is mainly seasonal - i earn approx �1920 per annum. Is there any benefits i would be entitled to to make a decent wage i.e. jobseekers allowance?

[clairelb]

 This all depends.  In terms of Jobseeker's Allowance, if your other half works their income will be taken into account and will (probably) be deemed enough to support you both.  However, if you have paid full NI contributions for the last 2 tax years you may be able to claim the Conts part of JSA which doesn't take into account a partner's income or savings.  You can work up to 16 hrs per week, any income you do earn (minus �5) would be deducted from your benefit & you'd still have to seek work to make your hrs up to the equivalent of full-time.   Remember, even if you aren't entitled to any monetary benefit, and as long as you do work less than 16 hrs per week, you may be able to claim for your national insurance contributions, which will go towards future benefit entitlements, such as your state pension.

I know the benefit laws have changed since I last claimed so I really would advise you to go to your Jobcentre to check things out for certain.