Jobseekers Allowance

timmymeuk1 · 7 Jan 2016 at 14:18

Just wondering if anyone has had experience with this in the past year?

Ive recently decided to change careers which has meant with some of the things that have happened in my life I left my job. Ive been working for the past 11 years full time and now they are telling me that they wont give me any money.

I really dont get why they cant?
Im actively seeking jobs and I'm doing what they ask.

Anybody had any trouble before?

Any advice would be great

tom_e · 7 Jan 2016 at 14:19

Let's start with why they've said you won't get any? Is it because you voluntarily left your last job?

Uncle Petey · 7 Jan 2016 at 14:20

If you voluntarily leave work, they see it as you choosing to become unemployed.

Captain · 7 Jan 2016 at 14:20

If you choose to leave your job, you don't get any money.

timmymeuk1 · 7 Jan 2016 at 14:20

They are giving no reason which is what is puzzling me. My savings arnt going to last me forever.

The women put it down as a involuntary eg mental health.

Sliver · 7 Jan 2016 at 14:21

I would contact Citizens Advice. I did this in the past when I had issues with the Job Centre and they pointed me in the right direction and helped me fill out the right forms.

tom_e · 7 Jan 2016 at 14:21

timmymeuk1 said:
They are giving no reason which is what is puzzling me. My savings arnt going to last me forever.

They're not the easiest people to deal with but I find it hard to believe they're just saying no and that's all.

dottty27 · 7 Jan 2016 at 14:24

If you leave your job it's something like 26weeks before you can signon if I recall

timmymeuk1 · 7 Jan 2016 at 14:26

Thanks Silver I will give them a go.

I applied a whole month ago and now they just sent me a letter saying I'm getting no benefit. No wonder why people get homeless and lose everything if the government arnt willing to help.

Sandycheeks · 7 Jan 2016 at 14:26

Surely you can claim contribution based JSA,

Company I used to work for went bust and they offered me nothing either, next time it happened (like 12 months later) the interviewer told me to claim contribution based.
Turned out that I could have claimed that the first time around but I hadn't been told of it.
Quite annoying but the system isn't set up to help those that are prepared to work.

Robzere31 · 7 Jan 2016 at 14:27

As others have already said, if you walk out of your job they will class it as you making yourself intentionally unemployed.

Captain · 7 Jan 2016 at 14:27

Your benefits if you resign:

Your Jobs and Benefits Office can delay your Jobseeker's Allowance for up to 26 weeks if you've voluntarily quit without good reason. If you are claiming constructive dismissal, make sure they know. If you cannot claim Jobseeker's Allowance, you may still be able to claim a hardship payment, which is a reduced amount of Jobseeker's Allowance.

tom_e · 7 Jan 2016 at 14:27

timmymeuk1 said:
Thanks Silver I will give them a go.

I applied a whole month ago and now they just sent me a letter saying I'm getting no benefit. No wonder why people get homeless and lose everything if the government arnt willing to help.

Try calling them and seeing what they say.

js58426 · 7 Jan 2016 at 14:28

timmymeuk1 said:
The women put it down as a involuntary eg mental health.

If you're out of work due to a mental health issue then you might be eligible for Employment Support Allowance. If you contact Mind (the mental health charity) and explain your situation they should be able to advise you on which benefits you might be eligible for.

Sandycheeks · 7 Jan 2016 at 14:32

Go to the pub at opening time and ask the regulars how they do it.

tom_e · 7 Jan 2016 at 14:34

Sandycheeks said:
Go to the pub at opening time and ask the regulars how they do it.

You'll get the most feedback at your local Wetherspoons.

timmymeuk1 · 7 Jan 2016 at 14:35

Sandycheeks said:
Go to the pub at opening time and ask the regulars how they do it.

Haha yeh! I want some of my money back that ive paid in!

Efour · 7 Jan 2016 at 14:37

I think voluntary quitting of job means you have to wait 12 weeks before you can be "helped"

fendi · 7 Jan 2016 at 15:37

Sandycheeks said:
Go to the pub at opening time and ask the regulars how they do it.

might be worth asking them also what they put down as evidence for the booklet. that could save you some time with filling it in.

Shocky-FM · 7 Jan 2016 at 15:42

You have to wait 6 weeks before you can claim Job Seekers, if you quit your job.

EDIT: actually different sources are giving different results, 12 weeks, 26 weeks.

You should call and ask them !!