Job seekers allowance whilst working?

[Dinger2]

Is it possible for a person working only 16 hrs per week (thereby being entitled to housing and council tax benefit) to be also entitled to job-seekers allowance?

[albaqwerty]

no

[wolf63]

Maybe.

Once upon a time it was definitely yes. Alas I no longer work for the DWP and am not 100% sure.

Start here - http://www.direct.gov...ngforwork/DG_10018757

[The-HouseHusband]

The answer is in the question...... if you are working you cant be full time job seeking which is what the Benefit is for.

[sherrardk]

Don't you get working tax credits if you are earning below a certain amount?

[The-HouseHusband]

It is the usual trails of paperwork but you are entitled to tax credits and maybe a few other bits and pieces, just make sure you are claiming the right ones or the tax man will want it back in double quick time.

[albaqwerty]

Hah tax credits, phoned them once and was asked why I was phoning. err It's to do with a change of circumstances, as per the advert. Lawdy, if it had a brain cell.....

[ttfn]

From Wolf's link:

Who can get Jobseeker's Allowance?
To get Jobseeker's Allowance you must be:

•available for, capable of and actively seeking work
•aged 18 or over but below State Pension age
•working less than 16 hours per week on average, depending on the amount of your wage
•in Great Britain

So once working 16 hrs p.w. you are no longer elligible to claim Jobseeker's Allowance. However, you can claim Tax Credits (from the same website):

Tax credits
A tax credit is a payment that you receive regularly. Despite the name, it isn't a credit against your tax bill.

Nine out of ten families with children qualify for tax credits, but you don't need to have children to claim. You may also qualify if you are working and on a low income.

Tax credits may also be able to help with the costs of your childcare. Generally, to qualify for help with childcare costs through tax credits, you'll need to:

•work for at least 16 hours per week
•have worked more than 16 hours per week before going on adoption, maternity, paternity or sick leave