DH suddenly been made redundant

[UnrequitedSkink]

Hi, just needed some advice really as this situation has (incredibly) never happened to us before... DH has been with his company just short of a year and was made redundant on Friday. I'm on maternity leave and DS2 is only 3 weeks old so the timing couldn't really be worse. Well, I suppose it could be January, but apart from that it's pretty bloody awful really.

DH has been given a month's salary, which is better than nothing, and buys him a little bit of time to find another job - we've pretty much got the mortgage covered for the next 3 months, although not sure about other bills and credit card repayments etc.

Does anyone know what else we qualify for in terms of assistance and benefits? Is there any advice anyone can give me? I feel a bit lost and frankly, terrified...

Thanks

How 'just short'? Until 51 weeks, sadly you have no dismissal rights. You just have the right to notice payments, unless it was discriminations.

Not sure about benefits. I think that there's a board more aimed at those questions...

www.entitledto.co.uk for info on benefits.

Can't really help, but wanted to sympathise. It has happened to me and it feels awful. It feels personal although it usually isn't...

If you have the mortgage covered that's good news. There was a thread somewhere about debt that had some good info about what you should make sure you pay. EG credit cards will often take a reduced payment, they would rather you pay something than nothing, whereas council tax you have to make absolutely sure you pay. I will see if I can find it but alternatively google debt and have a look, try and get the bills in priority order.

Entitledto is also good.

If you can get the money side of things sorted, even if it's just ticking over, this could be good timing rather than bad - it will give your DH some time with you and your DS2 in these precious early days. Try and get your DH to see it that way so he doesn't lose heart. I remember a friend of mine who was made redundant, he was the coolest calmest guy in the world, but he was still really angry. He put his company umbrella on the bonfire and danced round it and felt much better afterwards.

Congratulations on your baby, and good luck.

Thanks for that, all of you - it's very much appreciated. Ribenaberry, I don't think we're entitled to anything more than the company have given him, I just wanted to establish what else we needed to do. It all seems to be above board, although DH is upset and keeps questioning whether he wasn't good enough, etc etc. The company have offered him letters of recommendation with one of their clients, so I'm pretty sure they're happy with the work he was doing, but it does knock your confidence somewhat

Prioritising what needs paying first is a good idea - I didn't know that about council tax for instance. Thanks for the entitledto link - will check that out now. Am feeling a bit calmer today, we will survive somehow!

Sympathy unrequitedskink and congrats on your baby. We're in a similar boat. Out of the blue they decide to shut DH's office and so they are all on redundancy notice periods. We've been living with the stress for 3 wks now and another 3 wks till we find out for certain whether he loses his job. We were nearly moving house so that's gone on hold. Like you, dh hasn't worked there long and we haven't any redundancy insurance . Good luck. I hope it will all work out.

so sorry, i was made redundant 8 years ago and work freelance with varying success. DH looks likely to have it happen to him too (public sector) so we are really tightening our belts in anticipation and trying to plan for alternatives.
good luck, make sure you claim every penny you're entitled to and enjoy your baby