When to Sign Off JSA

Gruver

I am working 2-3 days per week (most weeks) on a freelance basis. I have been claiming jobseekers allowance since I lost my job. I am continuing to claim as the work that I am doing is entirely unpredictable (a few hours here and there that combined are equivalent to 2-3 days per week) so I still consider myself to be unemployed. I will declare all of the income (freelance and jobseekers benefit) in my tax return. I'm not entirely sure what I should do in relation to the jobseekers allowance. Should I sign off for a couple of days per week or should I continue to claim until I get a more permanent position and repay it in my 2010 tax return or should I do something else?

Xiney

if you are on jobseeker's allowance (means tested) then you must declare the income you earn weekly as well as the days you are working.

if you are jobseeker's benefit, you need only declare the days you are working.

Failure to do so may result in your claim being closed due to fraud.

Gruver

Thanks. I am on jobseekers benefit. I'm happy to declare the days that I am working. Should I do that monthly on my sign on day? What should I do for the months where I didn't declare the days that I worked?

Xiney

to be honest I'm not sure how it works being self employed, you'd be better off dropping into your local citizens' information office before the social welfare.

Gruver

Good advice. Thanks.