Dole for students

manyoo

I'm finishing up my final year of a psychology degree on the 6th of May. Will i be able to sign on if i get a letter from the college guaranteeing the end of my studies? I know you have to actively seek employment but there are literally no jobs where I am living, and I live away from my home house. I have also accepted a position as a researcher in my college for the summer but this is unpaid. Does anyone know if I'm entitled to anything and if so what would that be? I'd really appreciate any info on this!

Lugh Ildanach

If you have the letter from the college confirming that your studies are at an end, there is no automatic disqualification from Jobseekers Allowance, although you still have to meet the genuinely seeking and available for full-time employment criteria.

Your research position may give you problems. You need to be able to persuade them that you are actually looking for a full-time job and that if you got a job that you would take it. If your position as a researcher involves giving a commitment to remain in that position for a certain time, then you may not be considered to be genuinely available for work. The question will be, what would you do if you got a job? If you can say that you would drop the research position (and if they believe you!) then you could still meet the criteria. It will depend on the attitude of the officer deciding your case. You should certainly apply, the worst they could say is no!

manyoo

Thanks so much for the swift reply and great advice! I'll try my luck with it seeing as I could maybe hold down a part-time job alongside the research position, if one comes up somewhere.

red_fox

You should apply for any position even vaguely relevant to you, so that you have some evidence that you have been actively seeking employment.