Is my son entitled to benefits if he leaves his job?

[Josie1968]

Hi there

I’m just looking for advice please as to whether my son would be entitled to any benefits if he leaves his job? He has just finished a two year apprenticeship which he did not enjoy at all and does not want to pursue this line of work. He took the apprenticeship because he desperately needed to do something and this one came along, but he was struggling with anxiety and depression at the time and still is (is currently accessing CBT). The job isn’t helpful in this regard and is impacting his mood further and he has also experienced panic attacks too. The workplace culture there does not really acknowledge mental health issues, or even physical health issues either for that matter! He is desperate to leave although I know it’s not the best time to be leaving a job but he will do anything and will also do voluntary work to gain more skills. Has anyone any advice as to what, if anything, he might be able to claim whilst he is looking for work? Many thanks.

Hi, what hes entitled to depends on where he lives, so if he pays rent to a landlord, how old he is etc.
Go on entitled2 website as you can fill his details in here and it will tell you how much and what benefits he can apply for

If hes single, over 18 and has no rent to pay hes most likely looking at around £450 a month

I thought if you left a job (as in chose to leave rather than was sacked/ made redundant) that you couldn't claim anything for a certain amount of time. I could be wrong though. This is what I was told when I was off work sick and wanted to leave my job, that I could then be sanctioned by UC. Instead I had to wait for them to sack me which isn't going to look good when I'm ready to work again.

Although if he can prove he left for health reasons that might make a difference.

Is he actually in a job which he would leave? Or is it a case of he's finished his apprenticeship and doesn't actually have a job to go to? I believe you can't claim benefits straight away if you voluntarily leave a job without good reason.

Suggests he applies for other jobs, before leaving his current job

Does your DS get sick pay ?

It is always easier to find a new job, when already employed

I would strongly advise him to look forward another job while he's still employed.

The old adage is still true that it's easier to get a job when you have one!!