Jobseekers Allowance while benched with a Limited company?

[Bryn Rogers]

I have been using a brolly for some time now thinking that if I am benched I can sign on and claim JSA until a new gig arrives (which I can).

However I am getting increasingly frustrated with what or rather what not I can claim for as expenses. Going limited will solve this problem but do I then not have the luxury of the JSA pittance?

I have heard of benched contractors with limited's walking into the Job Centre and getting JSA. Is this true? can it be done?

Please tell me your experiences.

Thanks, B.

[KentPhilip]

I have heard of benched contractors with limited's walking into the Job Centre and getting JSA. Is this true? can it be done?

Yes. I was benched with a Ltd company 2 months ago. I successfully claimed 4 weeks contributions based JSA (even though I've got over £100K in the bank - it is not means tested).
Then I got a gig in the Netherlands.

The key is to:

1. Don't lie
2. Tell them that your period of unemployment is unusual and unexpected.

[xoggoth]

Yes. If the Limited has no income it is allowable.