My daughter has just started a 6 month full time volunteer post with RSPB in Cumbria after graduating but not securing a paid role as yet. RsPB cover her accomodation and associated bills with it but she needs to pay food ect. She will be looking for a paid role still hopefully a graduate role.
Anyone know if she's entitled to any benefits at all?
Thanks
If she's actively job hunting, maybe.
On principle for me the state should not pay someone to have the luxury of volunteering. Sounds harsh, but I've three boys of similar age. Two have done volunteering work, all three pay their own way and plan life to do so.
If memory serves, you qualify for jsa as long as you turn up to your job centre appointments and give the impression of actively looking for paid work, which I assume she is. When I did it a few years ago it was a bit of a box ticking exercise.
To qualify for JSA you have to be activity seeking employment.
If you're volunteering for 6 months that will not apply.
The free accommodation/bills will also count against you as I imagine there will be some kind of contract involved.
It may be easiest to speak with Citizens Advice Bureau. If she is eligible for new style JSA (previous employment, Class I nat insurance contributions etc) she'll have to declare the unpaid work and any expenses. Would she be able to go to a job centre every time she is summoned or provide the evidence they require remotely? CAB should also consider Universal Credit.
