Hi Max,

It's not too easy, is it! Don't worry, I've just got a more emails through from the Job Boards and will keep trying; it's just that my area for looking has been cut back a bit now which to be fair to the much maligned Job Centre, they understand

I'd rather be working than talking to Jeremy Kyle all day!

Sorry for the doom and gloom; hopefully this week I'd have some good news.

Sir Rodney

It's not an easy question to answer. To be honest, I doubt that you'd get a clear picture of which option is best without trying it, but you can certainlt try putting your question to the benefits agency.

If you do work, you can claim working tax credit.

My suggestion is to keep looking for work and, if you find something, take it, declare and apply for everything and see where it leads.

Here is a story to warm your hearts :)

I am currently on Jobseekers Allowance after losing my job(!) a couple of weeks ago; but I think at the grand old age of 34 I may have to admit defeat and claim Employment & Support Allowance (there is no Incapacity Benefit anymore).

You see, on top of my epilepsy and asthma I had a stroke in November 2007 (it gets better) and now I have MS.

But what I am worried about is stopping JSA and going on to E & SA because when I was in hospital with my stroke, I did not get as much money from Incapacity Benefit as I did from the JSA.

Please do not think I am a scrounger; I have applied for jobs every single day and I am on Jobsite, Jobserve, Total Jobs, CW Jobs, Planet Recruit and The IT Job Board but I am a realist.

So my question is : the JSA pays me a little extra because it understands I am disabled (their words, and I am not offended, just quoting them for clarity) - will the E & SA do the same?

Thank you.

PS How much can I work whilst on these benefits - is it up to 16 hours a week? Thank you again