AIBU?
swisscheesetony · 29/07/2015 07:54
Yes he should be although I believe it's a bit of a grey area if it's "gross misconduct" and it might depend upon the levels of sympathy of the person sat across from the desk.
If he's renting get him to nip into the council to talk about housing benefit - in my experience the people on the front line are lovely. Also if he has children and he has them for overnight visits that he mentions this on the forms/extra bedrooms bits.
If he's a single man he won't be entitled to an awful lot - but at least he'll still get his NI stamp for a pension which may or may not be in the pot when our time comes.
In fact that might be the think that you can leverage "against" him - he needs to sign on to get his stamp.
hearthattack · 29/07/2015 07:59
He should be able to claim JSA. Technically you can't claim for 12 weeks if you left a job voluntarily, or did something that in a round about way made it your decision to leave. But if he can convince the Job Centre that the circumstances were forced upon him the claim will be processed. I'd get him to claim as soon as possible, as there's a two week period after the initial claim where they won't pay any money. It is possible to backdate a claim, but only if you can demonstrate that there was a good reason why you didn't make it sooner (like you were in hospital, for example).
Once you have a claim for JSA (particularly income rather than contributions based, check the difference online) you're entitled to other help like housing benefit too. It's definitely worth a go. If he's paid into the system through income tax in the past (or even if he hasn't and he really needs help, in my opinion) it's perfectly fine to make use of a safety net that's designed exactly for that purpose.
swisscheesetony · 29/07/2015 08:09
Right - well if he's autistic it is worth enquiring about any possible disability payments and if you are keeping an eye on him - which it seems you are, carers allowance for you too - which is non-means tested.
I know it's hard to know where to even bloody start - but entitledto.com might help and of course the ever trustworthy citizens advixe.
MovingOnUpMovingOnOut · 29/07/2015 08:33
A dismissal doesn't have to be a sacking or have any fault in which case JSA should be payable straight away if he is eligible. From what you have posted op your brother should contact the job centre ASAP and find out what benefits he is entitled to including JSA. He may also be able to claim housing benefit or other benefits. CAB can be helpful.
If he is undiagnosed and able to work I understand he is unlikely to be entitled to ESA.
MovingOnUpMovingOnOut · 29/07/2015 08:36
Check out these links for info:
www.entitledto.co.uk
www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/benefits-introduction/what-benefits-can-i-get/
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