Claiming JSA and doing part time courses

[fabemmy]

Hi
I am currently out of work and going to start claiming Job Seekers allowance but I am starting 2 part time courses in september which will be 2 days a week.
I was wondering if anyone can tell me if I will still be able to claim it as I will still be looking for work just not on the 2 days of my courses.

Thanks

[marval]

As far as I know, yes you can. As long as you are still able to sign on and actively look for work, it should be alright. You are best to go to the jobcentre and ask, I would think it would look good if you are doing something useful.

[TCL-MUMPING]

Unfortunately it is not a case of the course looking good. One of the conditions for getting JSA is being available for employment. The number of hours you will be studying, whether or no you can re-arrange the course should the offer of employment arise, whether or no the course can be re-arranged or cancelled if you take up employment will also be looked at. It is not straightforward and you'll need to fill in a form so you can provide details of the course. That will all be referred to a Labour Market Decision Maker who will need confirmation from the college/course provider as to whether it's classed as part-time/full-time. Benefit will be suspended while the referral is investigated.

The fact that you are on a course should not prevent you from what is called Actively Seeking Employment (ASE). You can still access the internet, read newspapers etc on those days and they are classed as taking steps to ASE.