I have a question

[Locke.]

If someone was to sign onto the dole, would this in anyway affect their income from a house they own being sold?

[Niamh.]

probably if you have the money in the bank already but if it's not actually sold yet then I doubt it because they'll ask you for bank statements etc

[Josy]

I don't think the jobcentre ask you for bank statements during your claim, just your account number sort code etc for payments but when you fill out your claim form there will be a section that asks if you have any savings or investments over a certain amount.

[Locke.]

What about the solicitors and stuff though? Once the house is sold, would they not want to take more money than they would usually get?

[Josy]

What about the solicitors and stuff though? Once the house is sold, would they not want to take more money than they would usually get?

I doubt it, i'm not sure though :conf: just ask in the citizens advice or your solicitors they will be able to tell you.

[Vicky.]

No it wouldnt affect what they make from the house

However, once the house is sold, the person wouldnt be entitled to jobseekers anymore, unless they are claiming contributions based rather than income based(I think, you might not even be able to get contributions based)

if you have savings/money over about 7 grand I think it is, you cant claim

[Claymores]

As I understand it..........

"There are two types of Jobseeker's Allowance, 'contribution-based Jobseeker's Allowance' and 'income-based Jobseeker's Allowance'.

Contribution-based Jobseeker's Allowance

You may be entitled to claim contribution-based Jobseeker's Allowance if you have paid enough National Insurance contributions (NICs). Jobcentre Plus can pay this for up to 182 days. Generally, self-employed contributions will not help you qualify for contribution-based Jobseeker’s Allowance."

Contribution-based Jobseeker's Allowance is not means-tested so savings would not be taken into account

However, if you have made insufficient NICs, you would (dependant on living and financial circumstances) still be eligible for 'Income-Based Jobseeker's Allowance' and/or 'Income Support'.

Both Income-Based Jobseeker's Allowance and Income Support ARE means tested, and you may not be eligible if you have savings of £16,000 or more (they will ask for proof of you finances and investigate them)

You may also be eligible for financial assistance under the New Deal if you have been out of work for 6 months or more.

.................but, please bear in mind that the above is a very broad outline, and they would look at your own particular living circumstances and finances for any means-tested benefits. For a start, have a read here:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/index.htm

I'd suggest you should talk to the Citizen's Advice Bureau/Money Advice Centre or equivalent for your area. These independant bodies would help you with specific guidance in confidence after looking at your situation.

As an aside, there are also ways to disguise your savings if they exceed £16000 and you are hoping to receive the means-tested stuff. For example you might consider transferring the money into your mum's name provided she was gonna be willing to state that the money is rightfully hers if asked.

[Vicky.]

As an aside, there are also ways to disguise your savings if they exceed £16000 and you are hoping to receive the means-tested stuff. For example you might consider transferring the money into your mum's name provided she was gonna be willing to state that the money is rightfully hers if asked.

But if you get caught, prepare for court cases, and having to pay everything you have claimed back...and possibly prison ;)

[Claymores]

But if you get caught, prepare for court cases, and having to pay everything you have claimed back...and possibly prison ;)

I wasn't pretending what I said was above-board :wink:

[Locke.]

I don't have any money in my bank (money I get I keep on me in person), never got taxed at all when I was working, and have been out of work for around 4-5 months now, so would I be on the income-based one?

[Claymores]

PS - I believe if you apply for the means-tested benefits, they will take not only you into account, but the total household income. For example, if living at home with mum, thay would include her income in the calculation of how much you might be eligible for.

I used to know all these things as I was a volunteer for the Citizen's Advice Bureau once upon a moon ago, but all the rules change all the time.

This was why I and others were suggesting it would be an idea to chat with the Citizens Advice/Money Advice people.

[Vicky.]

I don't have any money in my bank (money I get I keep on me in person), never got taxed at all when I was working, and have been out of work for around 4-5 months now, so would I be on the income-based one?

Yeah it would be income based.

Did you quit your last job? For some reason you are only eligible if you were fired :S

[Vicky.]

PS - I believe if you apply for the means-tested benefits, they will take not only you into account, but the total household income. For example, if living at home with mum, thay would include her income in the calculation of how much you might be eligible for.

I used to know all these things as I was a volunteer for the Citizen's Advice Bureau once upon a moon ago, but all the rules change all the time.

This was why I and others were suggesting it would be an idea to chat with the Citizens Advice/Money Advice people.

When I lived with my parents, I was on the dole for about 3 months. they never once asked for proof of my parents income...so I dont think that happens now

[Claymores]

When I lived with my parents, I was on the dole for about 3 months. they never once asked for proof of my parents income...so I dont think that happens now

The benefits/allowances rules are a minefield Viks - and the do change them every 5 minutes! When I was with Citz Advice all those years ago, we'd get issued with a new reference book that was about 1000 pages long every 3 months so we knew what the Officials would be using.

[Locke.]

Yeah it would be income based.

Did you quit your last job? For some reason you are only eligible if you were fired :S

I was only a temp from like October-December

[Claymores]

I suppose Locke, if you can afford it, it could be an idea to hold onto the house, as the asset would not be counted as savings! But I'm sure they'll not help with Council Tax relief, etc if you're not actually living there.

[Vicky.]

I was only a temp from like October-December

Yeah you will be fine then

I would speak to citizens advice anyways. For most things they are useless(In my experience) but they are great for anything to do with the jobcenter.

I would think the only problem you would have is when you actually sell the house

[Claymores]

I was only a temp from like October-December

Didn't you go straight to the Job Centre Plus after you finished-up??? You should've, you could have been getting the Income-Based Jobseeker's Allowance all this time. Better than nothing although it's not much!

[Locke.]

Am not planning on staying on it once the house is sold anyway, I just need money from now til it is sold, cos all the money I saved up last year is almost gone..

[Vicky.]

Didn't you go straight to the Job Centre Plus after you finished-up??? You should've, you could have been getting the Income-Based Jobseeker's Allowance all this time. Better than nothing although it's not much!
Could always *try* to backdate it. Jut say you werent aware you would be eligible. Long shot but it might work if you are lucky :laugh:

[Claymores]

Am not planning on staying on it once the house is sold anyway, I just need money from now til it is sold, cos all the money I saved up last year is almost gone..

Sure - I completely understand. The bummer is that once the proceeds are in the bank, then they count that against you when deciding on whether eligible for benefits/allowances.

[Claymores]

Could always *try* to backdate it. Jut say you werent aware you would be eligible. Long shot but it might work if you are lucky :laugh:

The trouble with that Vicks is thay they'd say Locke hadn't registered so was not an active jobseeker.

[Claymores]

Last thought Locke - go down the Jobseekers Plus and register on Monday - at least from then you will be 'on the books' and eligible for anything coming. You'll get all the extra hassle, with no jobs for young people, but at least you'll get some dosh. Then see the independant organisations who will look thru the circumstances we cannot talk on an open website.

Hope you get sorted

[Locke.]

Gonna have a look for some jobs over the weekend (probably won't like, but am planning to), then if there's nothing then yeah am just gonna go down there

[Claymores]

Seroiusly damn blast wee pal - you should have registered Dec and not relied on yer own money - in a socialist world I would happily paid you. Altho you do not like Claymores, I know what I'm saying - do it (the above)

[Locke.]

I always put it off because I don't want to be lining up with a big group of smackheads waiting for the money. And you've been ok the last few months :joker:

[Claymores]

Aye - but you have lost money I'd rather sub you than a smackhead claiming £600 a week. You are entitled Locke - that is what you should have done since Dec.

PROMISE me Monday ?

[Locke.]

Definitely will be