Economic Theory

Jobseekers Allowance:

-At least £57.35 a week is paid to help while someone looks for work. How much depends on your circumstances and the type of JSA you qualify for.

-To qualify for any JSA you usually have to be; 18 or over. There are some exceptions if you are 16 or 17 (but below state pension age), able and available for work, not in full time education, be in England, Scotland or Wales, be actively seeking work or work on average less than 16 hours a week.

-When you apply for JSA, you must go to an interview to complete your claim.

-You have to go to a jobcentre every 2 weeks to show you have been searching for a job to keep getting JSA.

-There are 2 types of Jobseekers Allowance (JSA).

1) Contribution based JSA.

2) Income based JSA.

JSA does not affect Child Benefit or child tax credit.

-Payments are usually made every 2 weeks. All benefits are usually paid into a bank account.

Childcare Tax Credits:

-The maximum you can get for childcare costs is £122.50 a week for 1 child or £210 a week for 2 or more children.

-If you get childcare vouchers from your employer the amount of tax credits you get can go down.

-Single parents must work 16 hours or more a week to get childcare tax credits.

-Usually, you’ll qualify for tax credits to help with childcare if you qualify for Working Tax Credit, you’re responsible for the child, the childcare you pay for is registered and you work the right number of hours for childcare tax credits.

-You can get these tax credits until the Saturday after 1 September following your child’s 15th birthday (16th if they’re disabled).

-The childcare must be registered or approved. Childcare can include care provided at home, in school or another place by a childminder, playscheme, nursery or club etc.

-To claim you have to contact the tax credit helpline for a claim form, you can also call them to update your claim if you’re already claiming tax credits.

Housing...