Signing on for jobseekers allowance while on the payroll but not working

[mkjuk]

I have recently been granted leave by work to look after my sister who is recovering from an accident. I have been granted unpaid leave at work to support her while she recovers which could take a couple more months. I am still on the payroll as they say I can have my job back when she gets better. I need however to claim some money to live on as I have none but have been told at my benefits office that i cannot claim job seekers allowance while on the payroll - What should i do?

Please help as she really needs me but ive got to have money to live on

[acorn]

Yes, you couldnt claim on Jobseekers because you are not available to take up a job as you have one. What about carers allowances? Ask at the council offices or CAB.

[Postdog]

Just to add to that, even if you gave up that job, you could still not claim jobseekers allowance because you need to be available for ANY job, and clearly you couldn't be. As said, the best thing is to try your CAB, though strictly speaking, when you enquired about the allowance, other options should have been explained to you.

[joko]

JSA is for jobseekers thats why they won't let you have it, but you may get income support or something similar