A question on potentially claiming jobseekers

seachto7

Hi guys,

People might be able to advise me here. I was going to head in to the Citizens Information office, but might get a reply here just as easily.

To cut a long story short:

Went back to do a Masters last year, finished earlier this year, and finished two paid placements. The last one finished in July.

I've been on the job hunt since with no success.

I'm working part time, so making about e200 a week before tax. Some weeks I might earn more, other weeks I might not be working at all.

It's been like this since the end of July.

I've been dipping in to my savings, and on the goodwill of the person I'm living with in terms of rent and bills.

It looks like I won't get a job this side of Christmas, and while I'm thinking of moving to the UK after Christmas, I'm wondering if I could go into the social welfare to see if I could get anything in the meantime.

My questions are:

Will I be able to back date jobseekers to the beginning of August?

They might just refuse it stating that I've been able to get by up to now on savings. (which are dwindling)

Would they want to means test whoever I'm living with? If I went as far as moving home, would they means test my parents, who are both retired?

It's a demoralising situation I know. I never thought I'd be in this position at my age, but just looking for any advice on this.

LegacyUser

You won't get it backdated because you didn't put in an application at the time.

If you inform them you're planning to leave the country in January, they will probably reject your application because it would mean you're not searching for full time work.