Volunteering and JSA

[Seeohbahn]

Right, I want to be a teacher in the future so am currently volunteering full time in a primary school to get some experience while I am looking for a job/waiting for an appropriate OU course to start so that I can get a degree.

I attempted to apply for JSA recently, and at the JobCentre after much hoo-ha about the hours that I am volunteering the lady interviewing me said that I would be able to get JSA.

I have just received a letter saying that I can't get JSA because I am working over 16 hours a week (even though this is voluntary and I told them that! Also I am available and looking for work and could attend an interview at any time within 48 hours).

I phoned up Jobcentre Plus and the lady told me "well i'll email the decision people but well, why are you working over 16 hours a week for nothing when you could be getting paid, do you know what I mean". Well i'm working for nothing so that i'm not just sitting around all day while i'm looking for a job, which I spend my evenings doing.

It says on the leaflet they have about volunteering that you can volunteer as many hours as you want, so why can't I get JSA :confused:

[Scary Monster]

It sounds like they are misunderstanding what you are doing.

Be very very careful not to use the word 'work' with reference to what you are the at the school EVER.

Is there some way you can appeal?

[Kermit]

As part of your job seeker's agreement you have to confirm that you are actively looking for work for at least 40 hours per week and that you are prepared to take any job that comes along. If you are volunteering then this can sometimes cause problems as the decision maker may say that you cannot fulfil the terms of your job seeker's agreement.

However the DWP's decision that you are in work is wrong. If you are volunteering your services and are not getting paid for your time then you are not treated as being in full time work. If you want to get technical on their ass this is s53(a) Jobseeker's Allowance Regulations 1996.

What you need to do is get the appeal form GL24 from your job centre and get this sent back to the DWP office within one month. You should explain that you are volunteering and that you are willing to give up this volunteering should paid work become available. Whilst your appeal is being dealt with please make sure you sign on every two weeks as usual, showing what steps you have taken to find work.

Any problems, give Community Legal Advice a ring on 0845 345 4345.