End of temporary contract and immediately having surgery.

[LadfromManc]

My current contract is due to finish at the beginning of May. 3 days later I'm due to have an operation with a possible recovery time of 6 weeks.
Having never claimed any sort of benefit before, will I be entitled to Job Seekers allowance in that period and/or any sickness benefit?

[Du1point8]

To gain JSA you have to be ready to work and if you are off for 6 weeks that means you can't work.

Sickness or disability benefits won't work either as its only temporary and if you were employed you would be on SSP.

Self employed usually means you should fact in time off work and when you are out of work for the added benefit of being paid more than a permie.

If you have more than £16k in savings forget any benefits.

You could of course lie about all the above and try and claim, but you will get found out.

The only other thing I can think of is go to JC to make sure your NI is topped up as that is a bh if you have had a break in it.

Edited by Du1point8 on Monday 20th April 11:18

[ralphrj]

If you aren't available to work then you won't be able to claim Jobseekers Allowance.

However, you may be able to claim Employment Support Allowance instead.

https://www.gov.uk/employment-support-allowance/ov...

[LadfromManc]

An update. Just been to the DWP for an interview. Fully expected to walk away with nothing. However I qualify for something called Universal Credit which is a replacement for JSA and ESA etc. Fully notified of surgery and recovery. Not a problem.