Questions about job seekers allowance?

Question

So I'm 18, and currently unemployed. I'm shortly going to start trying to claiming job seekers allowance, however I've got some questions:

Firstly, I've done some reading, and it states that once claiming, you must 'check in' to your local Job Centre every 2 weeks to provide proof that you're searching for a job.
How exactly do you provide proof?

Secondly, I'm only interested in an Apprenticeship in Motor Vehicle Technology, am I still eligible to claim the allowance if I'm being that 'picky' on what jobs I apply for?

Lastly, my parent is still receiving Child Benefits till next month (then the payment stops).
Can I claim Job Seekers during this time, or do I have to wait until the Child Benefit payment is stopped?

Thanks for any information/advice, and have a nice day! :)

Answer 1

Okay. I'll answer in the order you've asked.



Your proof is fairly simple. You will be given a log sheet, which you must fill in every time you apply for jobs. You need to take that with you every two weeks, they will look at it and check it, possibly ask you questions about it. That is it.



You will be eligible to claim the allowance, but they will insist that you broaden your scope. They will require at least three fields from you with which you must be interested in looking at. Each time you go, they will give you a list of ideal vacancies, which you must decide whether or not to apply for. If you decide to, you MUST apply for it, if not, you will not get your allowance for that week. They may insist you apply for certain jobs.



The last question, I am not totally sure about, it should tell you on the Direct Gov website. I think you will likely have to wait.



This is all from experience, I was on it until employment achieved last October. Hope this helped.

Answer 2

You have to list the jobs you have applied for (you have a minimum number) and if you do not they will stop your money. They will also send you on courses that you MUST attend.



No. You will have to pick 3 distinctly different job types to look for, e.g. cleaner, engineering apprenticeship and retail. You have to include jobs that are low skilled and come up regularly as well as others because you have to find A job not your perfec job. If you want a better job you have to look for one in your own time when you're not on benefits if one doesnt' come up straight away.



No. Your Mum also gets a run on until the end of August for Tax Credits and Child Benefit if you are leaving college (you have to be 18 to claim benefits anyway). You can claim from September.



Basically welcome to the real world. If you are leaving college you have to take whatever work you can get. I would suggest applying for jobs now and not waiting untl you are on JSA! Juts look for work you really want to do now, if you haven't found a job by the time you claim JSA you'll have to take whatever work you can get I'm afraid and if the jobcentre say pat your head and rub your tummy... just do it! (it's what you'll do in work anyway).

Answer 3

You cannot claim JSA until the Child Benefit has ended. To be able to receive JSA, you must be available for, and actively seeking work. You need to keep a record of everything you do to look for work, such as jobs applied for, interviews attended etc etc.

You cannot afford to be 'picky'; if you do not make sufficient effort, then the Jobcentre can sanction ie stop your benefit - and they will, too!

Answer 4

yes, you can claim for job seeker allowance

Answer 5

Start here

https://www.gov.uk/jobseekers-allowance/overview



JSA will be greater than child benefit so get cracking on lodging your claim.