However, in considering whether the steps a volunteer has taken are reasonable, the Employment Service must consider all the circumstances of the individual case including time spent in voluntary work and the extent to which it may improve your prospects of finding employment. No maximum hours - There is no stated limit as to the number of hours a week you can volunteer when claiming JSA, provided you meet the above conditions. Some people mistakenly believe that there is a limit of 16 hours. In practice, however, it will probably be unusual for someone volunteering full-time to meet the requirement to be actively seeking work. Telling the Job Centre You should inform the Job Centre that you are undertaking voluntary work.
Staff there have considerable discretion in applying regulations.
It is therefore important to create a positive relationship and to explain how volunteering can help you to get paid work. A letter from the volunteer organiser to the Job Centre may be useful. While local interpretation can make the system more flexible it may also lead to inconsistencies. The Centre is always pleased to advise and work with people who are having difficulties with benefits, so do let us know of any problems. Incapacity benefit Up to October 1998, if you are receiving this benefit you may do up to 16 hours a week voluntary work without it affecting your entitlement to benefit.