Redundant - what benefits can I claim?

Usernameismyname01 · 2023-03-05T16:21:24+00:00

Just been made redundant. I am actively looking for new positions but nothing yet. Should I be claiming for any benefits in the meantime? I've never claimed anything through adult life so really unsure what I can or even how!

Easyme · 05/03/2023 16:29

Oh no. What type of work are you looking ao someone might be able to help?

LIZS · 05/03/2023 16:30

You may find your payout puts you above the threshold for most but contributions based JSA

gogohmm · 05/03/2023 16:46

New style job seekers allowance is non means tested for up to 6 months

Original poster

Usernameismyname01 · 05/03/2023 17:15

Easyme · 05/03/2023 16:29

Oh no. What type of work are you looking ao someone might be able to help?

Office Managerial type roles.

I'll take a look at job seekers as see what it comes up with. Some IRL mentioned UC but I thought that was more of you had children etc!

OP posts:

AnotherEmma · 05/03/2023 17:23

Sorry about your redundancy.
Have you actually stopped working or are you still in your notice period?
Once your employment has officially ended you can claim new-style JSA:
www.gov.uk/how-to-claim-new-style-jsa

You might be eligible for UC; that depends if you live alone or with a partner, if you have any savings above £6,000, and whether you rent or own your home. It is possible to get UC if you don't have children but you would usually need to be renting tbh.

Gingerkittykat · 05/03/2023 17:37

Yes, you can claim UC as a single adult. The rates are low though, around £334 per month allowance for an adult over 25 and a contribution towards your rent. If you have a mortgage it is better just to claim JSA.

BrokenWing · 05/03/2023 18:27

Sorry about your redundancy it must be a huge shock, I hope it leads to better things for you as it did for me.

When I was made redundant 10 years ago, because of the pay out it was just contribution based JSA that I could apply for.

If you do apply and if they are still doing weekly "sign on" type meetings with a job search journal wear a thick skin, don't take their attitudes personally and if you challenge them keep calm. The work coach was lovely, but every one of the job centre staff who reviewed my journal each week weree sad little power tripping, bullying, arseholes in sad little jobs. It appears it is normal for them to give conflicting instructions of what should be in the journal and threaten with sanctions. I needed to claim as part of my income protection insurance T&Cs, but thankfully I only had to endure it for 7 weeks before I found my next job.

Good luck.

Original poster

Usernameismyname01 · 05/03/2023 19:22

Thank you all. Yes I have now stopped working.
We have been loaned 3 months money from my parents to cover bills etc whilst we wait for redundancy. This is in my bank and will show as more than £6k in savings (though it's only a loan!)
I can claim my back my notice period once I have gone passed the cut off for how ever many weeks I wasn't working in it (apparently)
I have a mortgage and husband with two children at uni.
Think it will be just JSA to claim.

Will I have to go physically to job centres etc? Thought with today's technology it would be web based.

God! It feels so weird, signing on etc is something of the 80s to me - like the 'young ones'

OP posts:

Original poster

Usernameismyname01 · 05/03/2023 19:23

BrokenWing · 05/03/2023 18:27

Sorry about your redundancy it must be a huge shock, I hope it leads to better things for you as it did for me.

When I was made redundant 10 years ago, because of the pay out it was just contribution based JSA that I could apply for.

If you do apply and if they are still doing weekly "sign on" type meetings with a job search journal wear a thick skin, don't take their attitudes personally and if you challenge them keep calm. The work coach was lovely, but every one of the job centre staff who reviewed my journal each week weree sad little power tripping, bullying, arseholes in sad little jobs. It appears it is normal for them to give conflicting instructions of what should be in the journal and threaten with sanctions. I needed to claim as part of my income protection insurance T&Cs, but thankfully I only had to endure it for 7 weeks before I found my next job.

Good luck.

I hope so too, thinking positive!

OP posts:

Aprilx · 05/03/2023 19:40

Usernameismyname01 · 05/03/2023 19:22

Thank you all. Yes I have now stopped working.
We have been loaned 3 months money from my parents to cover bills etc whilst we wait for redundancy. This is in my bank and will show as more than £6k in savings (though it's only a loan!)
I can claim my back my notice period once I have gone passed the cut off for how ever many weeks I wasn't working in it (apparently)
I have a mortgage and husband with two children at uni.
Think it will be just JSA to claim.

Will I have to go physically to job centres etc? Thought with today's technology it would be web based.

God! It feels so weird, signing on etc is something of the 80s to me - like the 'young ones'

Yes you will have to go in person, every fortnight.

gogohmm · 05/03/2023 19:44

You go fortnightly, they are pretty nice to you I found and not pushing you to take just anything for the first 12 weeks. After that they have a review with you and they get a bit more insistent at you widening your search.