Job Seekers Allowance Question

mscoffeejunkie

Hi everyone I was just hoping maybe someone could shed light on a question I have? I unfortunately lost my job a few months ago and am currently on “Job Seekers Benefit”. I’m 23 with my parent’s living in Cork and am currently renting a room in a two bed roomed house from a male friend of mine. I’m afraid that when applying for allowance when my benefit run’s out that I will be mistaken for cohabiting? I’m single and quite frankly “bat for the other team” anyway if you pardon the expression, and was wondering if this will be the case? Although my housemate is a friend I’m quite sure he’d sooner have another housemate take my place rather than pay my rent, food bills for me! I’d appreciate any feedback for this slightly awkward situation! :eek:

Yawns

I think it might have been better to start another thread but a mod might split it for you.

When you entitlement to JSB runs out you will be placed onto JSA automatically which is means tested. You will need to inform them that you are simply rent a room from him and that you are not cohabiting. That way only your financial situation is taken into account AFAIK. They will ask for things like bank statement covering the last 6 months or so. As long as you can satisfy the means test you should be entitled to JSA.

Have you looked into rent allowance? If you are entitled to rent allowance, an inspector will come out to visit so make sure they are all aware that you are just renting a room and not living as a couple.

mscoffeejunkie

Thanks’ Yawn’s,

That’s a relief to hear! They’ll find two very separate bedrooms’ if they pay me a
visit. Hopefully I’ll find something before and avoid the situation entirely. All in all it’s a slightly soul destroying process.