ljj

Does anyone know the ins and outs for people who are on benefits in the UK?

My 21 year old (sparky) nephew has been out of work since June and unfortunately on benefits since this time.
We would like to treat him to flights out here to Oz for 3-4 weeks (departing UK before the end of Oct) as we have lived here 6 years and he has never been.

Poor lad has brought himself up with no parents from the age of 16 so needs to still pay rent and bills (in UK) while he was here.

Is he able to still get rent assistance etc if he was to come here? I know he can barely afford food at the moment so thought this may be a good thing for him to come to us as one extra mouth to feed won't impact us as a family of 4.

Anyone work in this field that can offer us info?

Thanks in anticipation
LJJ

slick1977

No He would need to "Sign Off" as to claim Job Seekers Allowance you need to be actively seeking work and be able to attend an interview at very short notice.

ljj

Thanks for your reply - such a shame as he would lose his flat then.

What a shame - it would be nice to be able to help him out. He could do with something nice happening for him.

LJJ

slick1977

He could make an appointment to see one of their specialists etc... Tell them that he has family over there that could possibly look at finding him work, as the credit crunch over in the UK has hit his trade hard and being a Sparky is on the skills shortlist over there.

Tell them that it is a chance for him to go over and see family and to try to find work, (you are aloud to have working holidays, as long as he can prove that he has been looking for work whilst over there)

That might be his only option I'm afraid....

Hope it helps.

ljj

Thanks but he wouldn't be looking for work over here as he doesn't have a work visa and electricians need to do some kind of converting licence.

He's only coming as a break from doom gloom and an empty flat would do him good. He has spoke about moving out here but he'd like to visit first before he even tries to go down this route...but you never know maybe this is something he could look into in future!

I appreciate your reply and information. I hope it all works out

ABCDiamond

He could always say he was investigating it, they may accept it and still pay him ?

It is worth asking.

slick1977

Agreed. He does not have to go through the rigmarole of doing all the leg work, just when he is over there pick up information about what he would need to do, in some sort of booklet or something. Make it look like he was looking.

No harm can come by asking the question I suppose.

Shellyj

They can only keep the claim open whilst you are off looking for work when you are seeking work in the EEA and can still attend to sign on as available for work.
You can keep the claim open for up to 2 weeks, missing 1 signing appointment, but if you time that right, leaving the uk the day he signs on, he could actually be out of the country for 3+ weeks.

EverydaySunshine

Hi,

Not sure if this is right but he could claim JSA for 6 months and then come to you? That way he wouldn't miss any payments. Does he have long left? Also, he would have something to look forward too?

Your nephew is really lucky to have a caring person like yourself.

PamE

Has your nephew considered a Working Holiday Visa? Perhaps a year or so out would be just the jump start he needs, and also give him a good taste of Australia on which to base future decisions? He's at the perfect age to give it a go

oldandbold

Forget the jobseekers benefit but it is possible to get your housing benefit and council tax benefit while away if you comply with certain rules such as intend to return to the property, dont sublet etc. He needs to go into the local council benefit department and talk to them. It is possible to receive the benefit for up to 13 weeks.

ljj

Thank you so much - that is just the information he will need.

Now I know that I can get him to go in and make an appointment.

LJJ

ljj

Update...
Thank you all for your help.

Oldandbold your information was wonderful as my nephew asked at housing if he would be able to visit us without losing his flat and was told "No, in no uncertain terms". Armed with your information I googled the info and was able to send him the rules - new appointment while they looked into it and they authourised it!

Obviously he can't claim Jobseekers as he won't be jobseeking but to learn that he won't lose his housing benefit and lose his flat whilst he is over with us was perfect.

I've bought him a ticket, leaves the UK today (Wed 28th) arrives in Melbourne on Friday.

Karma to all ...

Something I have learned - STA Travel are wonderful. If you are under 26 years old, you can buy a card (bit like a student card) for GBP9.00 this gives you a discount on flights - cost 705.00 return (peak return time inbetween Christmas and New Year too!) on Emirates booked within a week of departure.

They couldn't help enough.

Thanks again LJJ
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Rudi

That's great news. I am so glad you have been able to work things out for him. I hope he enjoys his break out here. He is so lucky to have such a loving caring relative.

Love

Rudi
x

slick1977

Is there any way that maybe we, might be distant relatives?.