Question about Jobseeker's Allowance application.

[JonnyBoy12]

As most of you know I am now out of work, and looking very urgently for a job. I have decided to apply for Jobseeker's Allowance after a period of a month. I would like to know if any savings you have go against your claim before I tell them everything about me. Can any of you ABers tell me how much or little you can have before the claim is void?

I am single male by the way with no children, and live in rented accommodation.

Thanks in advance for any replies.

[Postdog]

Yes they do, but I think it's about £16,000. I'm out of work myself following medical retirement, and cos I got a lump above that I couldn't claim. you can chck and apply on the directgov web site.

[wolf63]

Yes - and - no.

For the income based JSA savings of over £3000 (this may have changed since I last dealt with benefits) will make a difference to the amount that you receive.

But if you are entitled to JSA based on contributions then savings have no effect on your benefit.

I used to work for DHSS/DWP/JC+ but things have changed so much since I last worked. On the form tell them why you did not apply for your benefit as soon as you finished working - I know that it is obvious that you waited to see what happened but it is better to put stuff on the form.

Good luck on your job hunting. My brother was out of work for a whole year when the jobs crisis began. Then, within the space of one week, he got three job offers for good jobs.

[bednobs]

hiya jb,
chris gave this answer to another question last night, which i think will explain wjat you are asking:

Buenchico If your recent National Insurance contributions are up to date when you 'sign on', you receive 'contribution-based' JSA. It's not means-tested, so you get it irrespective of whether you've got savings and whether or not your partner (if any) has any income.

Contribution-based JSA lasts for 6 months. Thereafter, those who are eligible for it will receive 'Income-based' JSA. The difference is that it's means-tested. If you've got more than £16,000 in savings you won't get any money. If you've got £6,000 and £16,000 in savings, you'll lose benefit on a sliding scale. (If you're living with a partner, it's your joint savings which are relevant). Similarly you'll lose money if your partner has an income (unless it's very small). If your partner is in full-time employment you'll almost certainly get nothing at all.

The only part of income-based JSA which isn't affected by savings or your partner's income is your National Insurance contributions, which will continue to be paid even if you don't actually receive any money.

So, if (like me) you're single and with no savings, you'll notice no difference when your contribution-based JSA runs out. You'll simply get income-based JSA (at exactly the same rate) in future. [There are actually some advantages to switching to income-based JSA. For example, you qualify for free NHS prescriptions].

However if you've got a partner in full time work you'll get nothing (other than your NI contribution) in future.

Chris