Benefits/JSA?

I'm here on a Tier 1 (post-study work) visa (expiring 2/2014) and I've been employed in full-time work since September of last year.  I'm coming to the end of my contract (it ends at the end of this week) and although I've been looking for other work, I haven't found anything yet.

A friend of mine has advised me to look into whether I can get any benefits or not.  I just assumed that I couldn't, but after some Googling, I am a little confused.  It seems that there are a few (very few) benefits non-UK nationals are eligible for, like contribution-based JSA.  Am I eligible for any of these?  I was employed for part-time work from May to August of last year and I have been working full-time since last September (and paying National Insurance contributions on my pay).  Of course, I would much rather work than sign on, and I hope to find a job as quickly as possible - but are there any benefits I can receive if I do need to sign on?

I'm guessing the answer to this is no, but I figured I may as well ask just in case.  Thank you for your help!

You are entitled to contribution based benefits, you just need to have paid enough NI to get them. It's unlikely you have paid enough NI though, as you get it if you have paid enough NI during the last two tax years that do not overlap the current calendar year.

You are entitled to contribution based benefits, you just need to have paid enough NI to get them. It's unlikely you have paid enough NI though, as you get it if you have paid enough NI during the last two tax years that do not overlap the current calendar year.

Hmm, OK, thanks.  I suppose there's no way to know if I've paid enough NI so I will call CAB once my contract ends.  I'm assuming I'm not eligible for council tax benefit/housing benefit or anything else, but I'll try to find out.

Make an application directly with the DWP, save yourself the visit to CAB - you'll be able to do it over the phone (just be prepared to be on hold for awhile), at a job centre or online. You will not qualify for HB (which is an application you make with your local council) or tax credits.

This may help you: Public Funds

I've got a small question about claiming JSA. I've never had to do this before and neither has my partner so confused on how to proceed.

I've been unemployed since Jan 2011, I voluntarily left employment and was living off savings. In mid-March of this year, did a 6 week temp assignment and wasnt carried on due to holiday time. My last day was in the first week in May.

On 25/06 I started what was supposed to be a 6 month contract, but wrongly dismissed Thursday morning due to illness (thats another story in itself) I'm hoping the agency will make me a priority (the agency werent even aware that the place I was at was unhappy with me or anything) in being placed in another long term role, but have little faith in them doing so. I suspect I'll be struck off their books, even though it wasn't my fault I was let go.

As money is now stupidly tight, was looking to start claiming JSA on Monday via the direct.gov.uk website. I will be paid on Friday for what work I did last week.

I was wondering where I should start my claim from and wondering when payment would start.

Any bit of help/information is appreciated.

Make the claim from the day after the last day you worked.

You can't always get your claim backdated, so it's important to start your claim asap.

Make the claim from the day after the last day you worked.

You can't always get your claim backdated, so it's important to start your claim asap.

Thank you! Will get it sorted Monday!

If you have a chance to do it this weekend you can do it online.

Did it, asking to back date until 29/06 as I did two job application on that day as well.
Now hoping I have enough proof of me to go in for my face to face interview. Dreading dealing with the DWP, but I've paid into this, might as well claim.

BTW I have some large bonds and savings I'm unable to access, without heavy penalties, would this affect my application? This money has been put aside for retirement and not for use.

Your capital won't effect the amount of contribution based JSA you'll get.

For income based the amount you'll recieve will start going down if you have £6,000 in capital, you'll get nothing if you have more than £16,000. They include things like your home, savings and property. You'd need to get advice if your retirement monies would count as capital if you were looking to get income based JSA.