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Claiming state benefits
Facts about claiming state benefits
This section is all about how to claim and the current regulations which may affect those who have been made redundant. If you've been in gainful employment all your life, you probably have no idea what benefits you might be entitled to (or not) until you find a new job, let alone how to go about it. You might also feel very uncomfortable about it which is perfectly understandable.
If you've been paying National Insurance contributions for years, however, state benefits are not handouts or charity. You've paid your way. Contrary to what some of the tabloids might have us believe, however, claiming benefit is not an endless road paved with gold (currently if you are over 25 the maximum Job Seeker's allowance or 'JSA' payment is £67.50 per week! See further details here).
Prepare your statement of outgoing expenses
Prepare your statement of outgoing expenses
The uncertainty of not knowing when some real money might flow back in to your household is often hard to live with, so finding out about benefits and readjusting your finances just has to be done. You can download and use the sample Household Expenses Tracker spreadsheet at the bottom of this page. The sooner you find out about what you can and can't claim for, the better it will be as claims tend not to be accepted as back-dated through ignorance of the process or anything else for that matter.
Disclaimer: *the rules and regulations change from time to time, loopholes are closed, new initiatives are launched. So, whilst we outline the basics here you must check your own individual circumstances with the relevant authorities. You can go directly to the Directgov website to find out all the current rules on claiming benefits by clicking on the link to their entry at the bottom of the page.
What will you get?
The benefits agencies make a pretty clear distinction between those who have redundancy payments, savings and investments to help them survive their period of unemployment, and those who don't. So, you will need to complete the exercise on your expenses and income sources and bring along the appropriate documentation before you attend a benefits interview. Currently if you have savings over *£8000 you will not qualify for income based Job Seekers Allowance and you won't be able to claim that particular benefit.
The benefits agencies make a pretty clear distinction between those who have redundancy payments, savings and investments to help them survive their period of unemployment, and those who don't. So, you will need to complete the exercise on your expenses and income sources and bring along the appropriate documentation before you attend a benefits interview. Currently if you have savings over *£8000 you will not qualify for income based Job Seekers Allowance and you won't be able to claim that particular benefit.
If you have significant savings or a redundancy settlement, you may still be able to claim contributions based Job Seekers Allowance though this is subject to a time limit of 24 weeks. Once it runs out, if you still have savings which disqualify you from claiming 'non contributions based' benefit, you may receive nothing at all unless you transfer to a another programme which, for example, might help you to set up your own business.
Other key considerations by signing on to Jobseekers allowance include:
- Your National Insurance will continue to be paid so hopefully you won't get a contributions gap
- You may qualify for free prescriptions, eye tests and dental care
- You may qualify for other free items like access to local authority owned sports facilities etc
- Low income families may also get help for children at school or qualify for student loans and tuition fee bursaries.
More information on claiming benefits can be found here.
How do you make a claim?
Whether you are an unskilled, unemployed person or a former senior executive the process is exactly the same. You can claim online or by telephone on 0800 055 6688. You will be advised which documents you will be required to provide as well as your National Insurance Number.
How do you make a claim?
Whether you are an unskilled, unemployed person or a former senior executive the process is exactly the same. You can claim online or by telephone on 0800 055 6688. You will be advised which documents you will be required to provide as well as your National Insurance Number.
The clue is in the title - Job Seekers allowance means just that, and you will also need to provide regular feedback on your efforts and outcomes of job seeking.
To find information on Jobcentre Plus go to the Directgov website as the Jobcentre website has closed down.
Find out more in the New Life Handbook "Rebuilding your life after redundancy" - to buy your copy for £10.99 plus p&p click here .
Useful resources
To find information on Jobcentre Plus go to the Directgov website as the Jobcentre website has closed down.
Find out more in the New Life Handbook "Rebuilding your life after redundancy" - to buy your copy for £10.99 plus p&p click here .
Useful resources
 | HMRC redundancy-factsheet.pdf - 152kb Download this redundancy fact sheet |
 | newlifenetwork.co.uk_household_cash_flow_2009.xls - 36kb Download this file |
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