Tax Refund Question

[Reinvent1yourself]

Does anyone know how long you don't have to work before you get. Tax refund? I didn't work for 5 months last year and have fingers and toes crossed as I could really do with some cash.
Also if I am getting one when should I hear by and after that just give up hoping?

Don't you have to request it ? www.hmrc.gov.uk/incometax/overpaid-thro-job.htm#2

Ring up your local tax office. As lizs said you have to request it, they won't just send it out.

Do I? I got one two years ago and didn't request it they just notified me that it went into my bank account.