Can You Advice Folks ?

[LochNessMonster]

Friend lost his job on Monday, (cut backs) he has now to claim JSA. The question is he owns his house will this restrict his amount of money given, and for how long?

Thanks to all who help.

Nessie LMN

[jackthehat]

No.

[sandyRoe]

The fact that he owns his home shouldn't have any bearing on his entitlement to JSA. It used to be that benefits were paid for a year and then the claimant went onto 'income support'. This was means tested so if the claimant had substantial savings they wouldn't get anything.

[Ann]

Think it is only 6 months now Sandy, before means testing for income based JSA, at least it was 5 years ago.

[Buenchico]

Jack has answered your question correctly in a single word but I'll try to clarify the rules regarding JSA:

Anyone who has been paying full National Insurance contributions, who then loses their job (and who is actively seeking work) is entitled to receive 'contribution-based' JSA for up to 6 months. That type of JSA is NOT means-tested. (A billionaire with several dozen mansions is entitled to it).

Anyone who is unemployed (and actively seeking work) but who doesn't qualify for contribution-based JSA (either because they've not been paying full NI contributions or because they've reached the end of the 6 month qualification period) can be considered for 'income-based' JSA but that form of the benefit IS means-tested. Savings are taken into account, as are the earnings of a partner, but property ownership is not a bar to entitlement.

Chris

[LochNessMonster]

Thanks Chris will inform my friend.

Nessie LMN :)