Course finished?

Not working?

• You stop being counted as a student for ‘income assessed’ or ‘means tested’ benefits on the last day of the course in your final academic year.
  This is usually earlier than the day on which you graduate.

• From then on, if you’re not working (or working less than 16 hours per week), but are available for work, you can claim income-based Jobseekers’ Allowance (JSA)  until you start the first year of your Foundation Programme.

• For JSA you are usually allowed a ‘permitted period’ of 13 weeks during which time you can specify the type of job you are looking for to one which is suitable for your qualifications.  So put down ‘medical foundation trainee’ or similar on the form.

• You can claim JSA even if you return to your family home as your parents’ income is not counted.

• If you get JSA you’ll be able to claim the maximum amount of Housing Benefit (help with rent (and rates in Northern Ireland)) and Council Tax Benefit (help with council tax)to which you are entitled. This is very important if you remain in your own rented accommodation as you may well become liable for council tax/rates, as well as the rent, after the last day of the course. Similarly if you are an owner occupier you will become liable for the council tax/rates.

• Getting JSA also gives you full help with health costs – so it is an opportunity to get your eyes tested, your teeth checked before you are too busy in your first job.

Working?

• If you do temporary work until your first foundation job, depending on how much you earn, you may be able to claim Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit  if it is appropriate to your situation.

• You should also check out Working Tax Credit as, if you are working during this period, you may be able to claim WTC depending on your situation.