Any point applying for JA

Sorry for posting this in the wrong forum earlier.

I've been claiming jobseekers benefit for the past year and its about to run out.I got the application forms in the post for jobseekers allowance which is means tested.

As i have over 80k in savings and redundancy money i was wondering if theres any point filling these forms in as i doubt ill be entitled to anything.

What are my options?, do i still have to fill out the means test forms, should i sign for credits instead?

Any advice appreciated

You should complete the forms for JA as not all of your savings will be assessed (the first 20k is disregarded). If you qualify for a small amount of JA, that can be reviewed over time assuming you live off your savings while you're unemployed.

As you do not state whether you are single or married it would be difficult to answer your query.

Single:- you may be entitled to a minimum payment. When in doubt always apply.

Married/Co-habiting partner not working:- Means test on savings is halved
Married/Co-habiting partner working. Means test on savings +partners income.

Sign on for credits if none of the above apply

If i decide not to apply for JA and just sign for credits will i still have to do a means test?

I am a single man living with parents at the moment.

Black Sheep said:

As you do not state whether you are single or married it would be difficult to answer your query.

Single:- you may be entitled to a minimum payment. When in doubt always apply.

Married/Co-habiting partner not working:- Means test on savings is halved
Married/Co-habiting partner working. Means test on savings +partners income.

Sign on for credits if none of the above apply

Click to expand...

Can I just clarify this with you ?

- I'm self-employed and have had 5 weeks work since Sept 2008.

- I've been living off my savings since.

- I was told there was no point applying for JA because it's means-tested and my wife works, earning about 40K. We don't have a mortgage on our house or our apartment in Spain. We have one child.

Is there any point in me applying for JA ?

Capital Weekly means assessed
First €20,000 => Nil
Next €10,000 => €1 per €1,000
Next €10,000 => €2 per €1,000
Balance => €4 per €1,000

80 - 20 = 60 assessable

Next €10,000 => €1 per €1,000 = €10
Next €10,000 => €2 per €1,000 = €20
Next €40,000 => €4 per €1,000 = €160

This would be your JSA less €190.

This is not knowing your circumstance. if you were married and your spouse has no income I might be 190/2.

open to correction.