[br4t]

In a months time I'm going to visit family for 2 weeks, it's been paid for by my family and the times are unfortunate as I just miss signing on by a day, is there anyway for me to sign on a day earlier? What if I told them I was going away in advanced would they understand? I'd rather not make excuses, but I guess if it's the only way I will.

[A Mysterious Lord]

Just ring them up and ask, best to do it now and not a couple of days before as they might think you're trying it on if you suddenly ring up the night before.

[livefires]

I had a holiday over Christmas that was paid by my family and I spoke to them about it. I had to temporarily come off JSA as I was going abroad but I think if you're staying in the UK then they either arrange another day for you to sign on or temporarily transfer you to the nearest office. Even people on benefits are entitled to a break so they should have a system in place for it.

[gateshipone]

(Original post by br4t)
In a months time I'm going to visit family for 2 weeks, it's been paid for by my family and the times are unfortunate as I just miss signing on by a day, is there anyway for me to sign on a day earlier? What if I told them I was going away in advanced would they understand? I'd rather not make excuses, but I guess if it's the only way I will.

On the signing before you go, tell them you're going away. They'll fill out a form to go with your claim which will sorta pause your claim for however long you're away. You'll also make an appointment for a date as close to the day you return as possible to do a catch up signing. You won't get paid until you do this.

[Jake22]

You are entitled to two weeks holiday per year whilst on JSA. You are obliged to notify them at least two weeks in advance and will have to go into the office and fill in a form.

Contrary to what others have said - you shouldn't have to pause your claim since you are entitled to upto two weeks off from job seeking.

[gateshipone]

(Original post by Jake22)
Contrary to what others have said - you shouldn't have to pause your claim since you are entitled to upto two weeks off from job seeking.

It kind of is a pause as you won't get paid while you're away and have to make up the signing when you return.

[Jake22]

(Original post by gateshipone)
It kind of is a pause as you won't get paid while you're away and have to make up the signing when you return.

No. You are entitled to two weeks paid holiday. See here. The only point of contention is as to whether this allowable holiday must be in the UK or not. Often, they will require the claimant to provide an address and phone number at their holiday destination.

[gateshipone]

(Original post by Jake22)
No. You are entitled to two weeks paid holiday. See here. The only point of contention is as to whether this allowable holiday must be in the UK or not. Often, they will require the claimant to provide an address and phone number at their holiday destination.

As I said before, you don't get paid until you get back and make up your missed signing and therefore you could see it as a pause. It doesn't literally stop your claim, it just pushes back the day you'll get paid. Trust me, I know the rules!

[Jake22]

(Original post by gateshipone)
As I said before, you don't get paid until you get back and make up your missed signing and therefore you could see it as a pause. It doesn't literally stop your claim, it just pushes back the day you'll get paid. Trust me, I know the rules!

What I was trying to emphasise was that you got paid for the period you are away. So it isn't like your claim is paused - just the payment dates. In other words you don't lose the money - just the payment dates shift.

[OU Student]

Things must have changed then - told them 2 years ago I was going away for a few days and filled a form in. My JSa wasn't affected.

[Jake22]

(Original post by OU Student)
Things must have changed then - told them 2 years ago I was going away for a few days and filled a form in. My JSa wasn't affected.

It isn't even a case of the actual rules changing. Undoubtedly, there is more pressure over things like holiday time whilst on the dole nowadays but rules and regs are interpreted and enacted differently at each Job Centre. Some make it easier and some make it harder...

[hippieglitter]

(Original post by br4t)
In a months time I'm going to visit family for 2 weeks, it's been paid for by my family and the times are unfortunate as I just miss signing on by a day, is there anyway for me to sign on a day earlier? What if I told them I was going away in advanced would they understand? I'd rather not make excuses, but I guess if it's the only way I will.

Ring them and explain the situation. When I could not sign on cos my internet was being installed on sign-on day and I had to wait in all day for the guy they let me do it a day early. I'm sure you ring them up in advance and explain that there is no way you can come in on your usual day they should be all right with it.