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Old 04-12-2016, 20:55
Mr_superstar
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Join Date: Mar 2015
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I am out of work and unsure on what to claim. Few years ago I was on JSA (contribution based) but now the city I live in have Universal credit. Should I be claiming UC ?

How does it differ from JSA in terms of attending the dreaded job centre ? I understand that I would be getting monthly credit as opposed to the fortnightly money on JSA..

Also Im, not sure but can UC be still claimed when moving into work ?

Hope anyone can help.
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Old 04-12-2016, 21:11
CELT1987
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Think with UC you have to job search for 35 hours a week.

Yes, you can still get UC in work if you meet the criteria.
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Old 05-12-2016, 00:06
TelevisionUser
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Universal credit

I'd suggest looking through the links below to get a flavour of what the new system is like:

https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.u...n-introduction

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/be...versal-credit/

https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit/overview
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Old 05-12-2016, 03:35
muggins14
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Yes, you go to the Jobcentre Plus and they will interview you and tell you whether you are in a Universal Credit or a JSA area. If it's JSA you claim JSA and find out what other benefits you're entitled to which you would apply for separately. If you're in an area which has moved over to Universal Credit, then technically any benefits to which you are entitled would be included in one payment - Universal Credit.

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/be...t-eligibility/ Check if you're eligible for UC.

ETA: Sorry, didn't see it was already linked-to above.

If you prefer you can call the Universal Credit helpline on 0345 600 0723 or contact you Citizens Advice Bureau, although they are pretty overloaded these days. Easier to go into the Jobcentre.

Can it still be claimed when moving into work? The theory is that yes, it can . "There are no limits on how many hours a week you can work if you’re claiming Universal Credit. Instead, the amount you get will gradually reduce as you earn more, so you won’t lose all your benefits at once." Money Advice Service https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.u...n-introduction

I say theory because, as it stands at the moment, it's a very imperfect service which isn't working very well as it was badly devised, planned and is being poorly executed!
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Old 05-12-2016, 09:27
srpsrp
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I'm on JSA however I think my area switched to UC for new claims. I don't notice any different treatment at the job centre.One thing to note however, is that they are currently supposed to be seeing every one weekly.

I made a point of claiming £4 travel expenses ( which you can do if not signing on that day). They have to get two or three people to sign the form I think and they really don't seem to like doing it.

I complained to the manager via email after I didn't get paid for weeks. She was very helpful and since then I've only been going every two weeks as before !

My adviser still calls me every other week and we have the exact same conversation each time more or less however at least I don't have to actually go there every week.
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Old 05-12-2016, 10:47
blueisthecolour
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Ironically, the 3-4 weeks in my life that I claimed JSA were probably the hardest i've ever worked
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Old 08-12-2016, 12:49
Mr_superstar
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Im abit stuck. My contract ended last Wednesday and i will be getting my final pay before Xmas. The area I live now has Universal Credit and no longer Job-seekers Allowance. I applied online for UC but I got refused as I will be getting more then £300 by end of this month. I rang the UC helpline and they suggested that I go on JSA as I would be eligible. So I rang JSA helpline and I've been waiting ages ? I cannot do it online since the area i live is now UC.

What shall I do ? Would i be refused JSA as well since I have a final pay remaining ?
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Old 08-12-2016, 16:16
srpsrp
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Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 351
Im abit stuck. My contract ended last Wednesday and i will be getting my final pay before Xmas. The area I live now has Universal Credit and no longer Job-seekers Allowance. I applied online for UC but I got refused as I will be getting more then £300 by end of this month. I rang the UC helpline and they suggested that I go on JSA as I would be eligible. So I rang JSA helpline and I've been waiting ages ? I cannot do it online since the area i live is now UC.

What shall I do ? Would i be refused JSA as well since I have a final pay remaining ?
Go to your favoured Job-centre and don't leave until they sort it out !
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