Job Seekers Allowance

I think you should contact citizens advice as this doesn't sound right or fair. Maybe a different benefit would be better for you

I agree,take Grandmabatty`s very good advice.

That sounds incorrect. Contact Citizens Advice for benefit help. There are now several types of what used to be JSA, and it can be tricky to work it out on your own.

I have spoken to the helpline and written to them. Under the current law I am not entitled to JSA nor can I appeal. I was advised to take the matter up with my local MP if I wished to change the law! The Govt have declared they will cut claimants and this is the result.

if you've been signed off by the doctors as unfit for work due to your illness, that could be the reason you've been turned down for JSA. You have to be actively looking for work. You need to apply for sickness benefit/PIP (not sure what it's called now). Good luck

I was signed off from work after the brain hemorrhage for 5 months but but am now actively seeking work.

Definitely see CAB. If you have two complete years of NI before becoming unemployed, you should be eligible for up to 182 days. Depending on your circumstances, you might be eligible for means-tested Universal Credit.

Incidentally, the system sucks! I feel for you.

Thank you all for your advice and support. I do appreciate it. I am just frustrated that the one time I apply for help I am cannot receive it. Why do we pay our taxes?

Foxglove77

Thank you all for your advice and support. I do appreciate it. I am just frustrated that the one time I apply for help I am cannot receive it. Why do we pay our taxes?

I've been in the same situation Foxyglove and it makes me so angry that people who haven't experienced really don't know what it's like.

Incidentally, it might be worth your while to continue "signing on" as unemployed because you'll receive NI credits while registered as unemployed (even if they don't pay you anything).

Did you see a solicitor to make a claim for your injury? You surely have a case.. definitely talk to Citizens Advice if you can get an appointment

The firm I was working for are solicitors with their own Employment Dept. I have no claim for the bullying sadly as I worked for them for just under 2 years.

Are you in touch with Headway, Foxglove77? www.headway.org.uk/news-and-campaigns/news/2018/brain-injury-info-given-to-pip-firm/
It may be worth contacting them.

Foxglove77 Yu might be entitled to E mployment Support Allowance, and/or PIP as well. Look online, on GOV.UK

I think you should have applied for Universal Credit.

New Style JSA is based on NI contributions over a specific period and if it is correct that you do not meet the requirements, I think it will be the same rules for NS ESA.

So Theexwife is right, and you should be eligible for Universal Credit, very possibly with an extra element for being unfit for work. It is a means-tested benefit so will depend on your savings, and the savings/ income/ pension of your partner, if you have one, could make you ineligible.
You could complete the check on turn2us, but better still, try Citizens Advice for a full benefit check.

You may separately be eligible for PIP, which is not related to NI, nor is it means-tested. It is notoriously hard to get. Read up on what it entails, and do ask again and I will try to help as I have helped many claimants with the tricky claims process.

www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/before-claiming/check-you-are-eligible/

Please email your local Citizens Advice office with details of your problem. They are up to date with the latest benefit regulations and can advise you where to get help. Not wishing to dismiss anyone's opinion, but unless you are involved with the gordian knit that is the benefit system, what you "think" is not very helpful. PIP is a different system, and is payable to employed people too. Good luck. 👍

Gordian Knot. Not knit

www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/employment-and-support-allowance/help-with-your-esa-claim/check-if-you-can-claim-esa/

As others have said you must be actively seeking work to receive JSA. I claimed after I was made redundant and it was stopped when I went on holiday and started again on my return.

I am actively seeking employment and have sent out my CV. I am not claiming any sickness benefit and the calculator says I am not entitled to Universal Credit as my husband has a small private pension. Both of us have had our state pension age moved forward and are not in receipt of that yet or any other benefit. I still have to wait another 6 years when before I will be on full state pension from last year like many other women.

I may be wrong but is this a similar situation to ‘I Daniel’ - first the film (probably a couple of years ago) and now travelling around the country as a play. About the injustice of having a condition but not being able to have any control over how help is given by the Government. Not wanting to trivialise the OP at all …but after seeing the film I was both annoyed and upset at what was going on, which is still not resolved today - so much so when I went to see the play 3 weeks ago it had a full standing ovation from the audience. We all seem to know what is right but are powerless to do anything about it. Very frustrating. Apologies for not having a solution…I do hope something comes right for you. I too have had troubles workwise and it wasn’t pleasant.

Foxglove, just rereading: whilst most employment rights do not kick in until you have been in a post for two years, discrimination is an exception. Was the workplace bullying down to any form of discrimination? You don’t need to answer on here, but if it is relevant, you could have a claim.

www.citizensadvice.org.uk/law-and-courts/discrimination/check-if-youre-protected-from-discrimination/equality-act-2010-discrimination-and-your-rights/