Mumsnet Talk

I have recently been told that I am (probably) to be made redundant. I will get severance pay and I also have a mortgage payment protection insurance policy. I have been checking the policy details and it says it will pay out only as long as I'm claiming Jobseekers Allowance. From what I've managed to find out though, you can only claim JSA for 6 months, but my MPPI is supposed to pay out up to 12 months so I'm wondering what benefits you can go onto after the JSA?
Also, I see that with JSA you have to attend for an interview every 2 weeks - as a mum of 2, are they happy for you to take your children along for this?

You claim contribution-based JSA for 6 months, and then you may be eligible for income-based JSA (if your partner is not working or working very few hours AND you do not have much in the way of assets and/or your children are over the age of 5). If you are a lone parent of children under 5 then you may be entitled to Income Support.

But other than that, if you are not a lone parent you aren't eligible for JSA or other benefits.

They don't mind if you bring your children along.

Thanks, so it's pointless having MPPI that covers you for a year then if I have to be claiming JSA but can only claim it for 6 months!

It can be for more, Pozza, but only if you qualify for income-based JSA.

Actually, have just been re-reading policy and it says that I would have to be registered as unemployed with Jobcentre Plus and actively seeking work, which I guess is not necessarily the same as receiving JSA?

Don't think we would qualify for the income-based JSA as my DH has a decent salary.

'I would have to be registered as unemployed with Jobcentre Plus and actively seeking work, which I guess is not necessarily the same as receiving JSA?'

That's the same thing. If you're on JSA you're registered unemployed and the fortnightly interviews are to review your attempts to find a job.

you can still register as unemployed after the JSA runs out, though. you should get NI credits whilst registerd unemployed

What Lonicera says is correct. If you are available for work and actively looking for a job you are entitled to sign on as unemployed. You will only get contribution based JSA for 6 months (based on your NI contributions), then income based JSA will be means tested (on the family savings / income).

You are entitled to continue to sign on as unemployed after your JSA runs out, this means you will be counted as unemployed in national statistics etc. and the DWP will then sign / stamp your mortgage interest form for as long as you want to continue to fulfill the conditions.

How much of an 'interview' you will receive will vary. I would advise trying to make childcare arrangements (if you can) when you make a new claim to benefits and when you have regular review interviews, it gives a better impression that you are serious about looking for work and you will be able to focus on the interview / advice. Also, ask your employer to give you a properly worded letter stating you are being made compulsory redundant (if that is the case), giving details of the payments / notice periods. Do bear in mind if you take voluntary severance your entitlement to JSA and therefore your mortgage insurance is likely to be affected.