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Partner can't sign on / claim JSA because of my £16k job - is that right?

As the title suggests, I'm in a bit of a pickle - to put it lightly!
I live with my partner in a small flat which we pay half the rent for each, bills are our own concern but we try to split things 50/50.
I work on a permanent basis earning £16k annually
My partner has just graduated from University but the jobs market in her field is tough. She's tried freelancing and a few other things but hasn't yet found a "proper" job - she is trying to find work though.
However, we're hard up at the moment and finally swallowed our pride and got her to go and see about signing on - only to be told that she can't!
Why? Because I have a job that pays £16,000 a year.
I'm here to ask if that's right and if there's anything that can be done about it. My partner and I are not married nor legally joined in any way - there is no arrangement where I give her money on a formal basis. So I'm wondering on what grounds I am expected to support both of us - especially as I've not been asked any details about my own income or means by the JSA agency.
If anyone has any experience or advice in this situation - I'd welcome it. I know her finding work is the best possible idea but being realistic, she hasn't got a job and I can't support us both in the long term on my own salary.
Thanks!
I live with my partner in a small flat which we pay half the rent for each, bills are our own concern but we try to split things 50/50.
I work on a permanent basis earning £16k annually
My partner has just graduated from University but the jobs market in her field is tough. She's tried freelancing and a few other things but hasn't yet found a "proper" job - she is trying to find work though.
However, we're hard up at the moment and finally swallowed our pride and got her to go and see about signing on - only to be told that she can't!
Why? Because I have a job that pays £16,000 a year.
I'm here to ask if that's right and if there's anything that can be done about it. My partner and I are not married nor legally joined in any way - there is no arrangement where I give her money on a formal basis. So I'm wondering on what grounds I am expected to support both of us - especially as I've not been asked any details about my own income or means by the JSA agency.
If anyone has any experience or advice in this situation - I'd welcome it. I know her finding work is the best possible idea but being realistic, she hasn't got a job and I can't support us both in the long term on my own salary.
Thanks!
0
Comments
She will either need to look for a job outside of her chosen field, or youll need to live seperatly if you cant support her.
As Fiend_85 and SuzyCreamcheese have mentioned, your income will be relevant to your partner's claim for JSA. For more information check out the Gov.UK pages about JSA eligibility - https://www.gov.uk/jobseekers-allowance/eligibility
You may also like to use the Benefits adviser service which checks which benefits you and your partner may be entitled to - https://www.gov.uk/benefits-adviser
Maybe you'd be eligible for other benefits that would help you both financially right now.
Hope this helps and good luck to your partner in finding a job. She may find the articles on TheSite's work guide useful - http://www.thesite.org/workandstudy/gettingajob