Job Seekers Allowence Eligibility

when i was reading moneysavingexpert.com i came across with this post that i wanted to share and get your answer to it.

What would you do in this situation?

After graduating uni last July I kept on my part-time job (12 hours a week, minimum wage), hoping to find something full time before long. However, 3 months later I was still working 12 hours a week. The job was in my univeristy town, where I lived whilst studying. But after graduating I moved back home, and it took an 1hr 1/2 bus and train journey to get to work and back. My work was often spread out over the week (3 or 4 hours a day), so I paid a lot in travel expenses and lunches, compared to the actual hours I put in. In October I decided to start a part-time course (2 days a week), which would run for 6 weeks. However, my employer refused to let me have these 2 days off for the 6 week duration of the course (my hours were not fixed, but given to me on a week-to-week basis).

It was then I decided to hand in my notice at work. I genuinely thought the course would help me find a job, and that I could use the rest of the week to look for one properly. I applied for Jobseekers Allowence, and was told I may not be approved as I had given up work voluntarily. I completed a form, explaining in great detail why I gave up my job, and eventually I was approved. However, after 3 weeks I was sent a letter saying there would be a change in my JSA – I would no longer be paid as I gave up my previous employment voluntarily, without “sufficient enough reason”.

After recieving this letter I chose not to appeal the decision – I thought it would be too much hassle, and expected to be employed soon as I was attending quite a few interviews. I extended my interest-free graduate, which I lived off very carefully whilst (still) jobhunting. Now it is mid-January and I am still unemployed. I just cannot strike lucky. I am not even being picky over what I apply for. I rarely get replies from retail jobs, and any kind of office work I find requires “experience” I don’t have.

Right now I am almost out of money and stuck as to what to do. My mum keeps telling me to re-apply for Jobseekers Allowence, as its been 12 weeks since they ‘changed’ their decision. However, I don’t believe I will be approved again, as the fact remains – I still gave up my last job. I don’t particularly want to be claiming off the state, but I have next to nothing left, and no income whatsover. I want more than anything to work, but it seems a degree and willingness just isn’t enough these days.

Has anyone been in a similar situation, or know anything more about JSA? Do you think I could apply again successfully? Surely I must be entitled to something.