Job Seekers Allowance (JAS) - Final Year Students

This section only applies to final year students who are not eligible to claim benefits throughout their course.

When Should I Claim?

You should claim benefit from the first working day after your term officially ends. For the University of Bolton students this will be 10th July 2006. You should claim promptly as it is difficult to get benefit backdated. Most Job Centre Plus offices are inundated with new student claims in June/July, so it will be beneficial if you contact the Job Centre a week before you end term to book your appointment for interview to sign on.

What if I intend to start another course in September?

If you have completed your present course and will be enrolling onto another course in September 2006 you can still claim benefit in the period between courses. Examples are:

Students who have completed a HND and will be progressing onto the degree course, commonly known as 'top up'
Graduates who will be starting a postgraduate course such as the PGCE

What if I will be starting a permanent job soon?

You can claim JSA until you start your job. You will need to confirm that you are available for work in this intervening period - it does not matter if you have little chance of obtaining short-term work.

Which benefits can I claim?

You may qualify for:

Job Seekers Allowance (JSA)
Housing Benefit (HB)
Council Tax Benefit (CTB)

Jobseekers Allowance (JSA)

JSA is a benefit for people who are required to sign on as available for full time work. If you are not available for work because you have children (lone parent), are sick, a carer or are elderly get advice on claiming Income Support instead.

To qualify for income-based JSA, you must:

1/- be available and actively seeking full time work
2/- not have more than £8000 savings
3/- be 'habitually resident' in the UK

If you have a part-time job then your earnings will be taken into account. You will not qualify for JSA if you work for more than 16 hours a week (but may qualify for Tax Credits in certain circumstances - seek advice).

If you are living with somebody as a heterosexual couple then you will assessed on your joint income. You will not qualify for JSA if either of you work for more than 24 hours a week.

Couples under 25 who do not have children must both register as available for work.

How to claim JSA

Call in or telephone your local Job Centre Plus office and speak to new claims. Take your National Insurance number with you. You will be given a claim pack for JSA and Housing and Council Tax Benefit. At the interview the employment officer will agree your 'Jobseekers Agreement' with you.

How much will I get?

Income-based JSA personal allowances at April 2004/05 are:

Age 18 - 24 £44.05 per week
Age 25 and over - £54.65 per week
Lone parent over 18 - £55.65 per week
Heterosexual couples aged over 18 - £87.30 per week.

These figures will be subject to change in April 2005.

JSA is paid fortnightly in arrears by Giro cheque or direct transfer into your bank account.

Claiming JSA for Continuing Students

Full time students who are eligible to claim JSA are:

Student couples with dependants and where one is available for work. This applies during the summer vacation only and will therefore be a temporary claim.

Intercalating students who are waiting to rejoin their course once their illness or caring responsibilities have ceased with approval from the University of Bolton.

All the information given above relates to full time students only and summarises the main issues pertaining to students. If you need more or detailed advice on the Student Support system, Tax Credits or Welfare Benefits, you are strongly advised to contact the Advice Unit for more guidance and practical steps. A delay could cost you money!

Ring the Students' Union to arrange an appointment on 01204 900850