What happens when jobseeker's allowance ends after redundancy and unemployment?

[user1471867483]

I've been unemployed since November 2025 after being made redundant without any financial settlement. Despite attending interviews, I haven't been able to secure a job. I'm concerned about what will happen when my job seeker's allowance ends. Has anyone experienced this situation before? What steps did you take next? I've only done a brief temping job for three days since November (temping seems dead quiet at the moment), and I feel embarrassed signing on every two weeks now (I worry what my coach thinks!). Any advice or insights would be greatly appreciated.

If you are just getting contributions based ( new style ) JSA then this ends after 28 weeks. If you qualify for Universal credit you can then claim that instead indefinitely. If you have savings over 16k you would not be able to claim UC, and if you have savings between 6k and 16k then the amount you receive would reduce depending how much savings you have. If you need help with rent or have kids then that can be included within the UC. I'm sorry things are so difficult, the jobs market is dire at the moment.

What @Pickledonion1999said. You will basically be expected to live on what you have until you go below the £16k savings threshold. If you already are, you can apply for Universal Credit.

Let's hope I get something soon. Thank you both.

Unless things have changed, you can continue to sign on for your NI credits, not just for your state pension but also in case you need to claim JSA in the future.

With respect you shouldn’t be embarrassed about signing on. Depending on your work history you might be able to reapply for JSA after the break with just NI credits. Obviously if you are entitled to UC then this is available to claim. Your other posts mentioned carers have you done a full benefit check with entitled to calculator. It throws up everything is worth checking.

https://www.entitledto.co.uk/benefits-calculator/Intro/Home?cid=fcae0833-12e9-4649-ad43-cecb3fffd2b7

or check the turn to us calculator.