jsa and working

[jesmond]

not sure if this is the right place for this question so may have to put it elsewhere so here goes, niece has got a job as a home carer but they have only given her about 6 hours this week, she thinks they are breaking her in gently so possibly the hours will increase if she is ok for the job, she has been claiming jobseekers for a couple of months but obviously the 6 hours she is working this week is not much so can she go back to the jobcentre and explain to them what work she has been given, basically how many hours can you work and still claim jsa, many thanks

[sara3]

she would have to declare all work, paid or unpaid, full or part time. she might still be able to claim if they're happy that she is actively seeking, and available for, full time work.

[cathfromsaron]

there is a form to fill in, of course, and they will deduct a certain amount of money from the benefit ... but most of this will be returned when she stops claiming altogether!

[sara3]

returned??

[cathfromsaron]

you can work 15 hours and claim ... 16 hours or more and you will need to claim tax credits too x

[cathfromsaron]

instead i meant*

[THECORBYLOON]

cath, the Back to Work Bonus stopped some time ago, folk may qualify for a £100 or a £250 payment when they start work. When in receipt of JSA, the hours worked must be under sixteen ON AVERAGE.

[sara3]

but any work needs to be declared..

[THECORBYLOON]

Correct and the earnings may extinguish the JSA even if the hours are fine.

[jesmond]

thanks all i did tell her she could do some work but still had to inform them but was unsure how many hours she could do, so will pass on the info

[cathfromsaron]

i idin't know new deal had stopped sorry ... but when you declare this possible job to the advisor, they wll let you know everything!

also, there used to be a transitional relief, so you could still get housing benefit etc until your wages came in ...

probably gone too??

[THECORBYLOON]

No, the Housing Benefit run on is going still. You need to have been getting the JSA for twenty-six weeks and expect the work or the extra hours/money to last for at least five weeks.