Work Contract terminated-got to claim benefits.

[Emsman]

Here is a first for me.


Lost job on the 22nd September.

Quite simply run out of money. What would i be entitled to if i claimed benefit (which i have never done in my life).

I have a mortgage to pay, and more crucially, maintainence payments to the ex (done fairly amicably, ie not CSA)

Really embarrassed by the situation, but cant see an alternative at the moment.

Any ideas???

[Eric Mc]

Get down to both the Job Centre and your local CAB.

[Famous Graham]

Well, for starters, you won't get anything from before the date you start a claim, so do so now.

Basic Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) is 60 quid a week I think, but you may be entitled to housing and council tax benefit as well. Best to just give them a ring . Number's on this page :

http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk/jcp/Customers/Work...

There's no need to be embarrassed about it - this is what you've been paying your NI for whilst in work.

Oh, and it can take a couple of weeks before you get anything but they can give you a "crisis loan".

Edited by Famous Graham on Wednesday 3rd December 09:08

[off_again]

Dont be embarrassed about claiming benefits. The whole reason for the Social Security system is to catch those people who need the help assistance of state. Given that anyone could actually require this assistance, it seems fair you take it when you need it. You have been paying tax and therefore you have the right.

Heaven forbid, but anyone could end up in this situation - don't take the assistance when you need it!

[DucatiGary]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

i think its now 3 grand (although heard this second hand)

and if you have anything of value (nice car) they want you to sell it before they pay you anything.

[Famous Graham]

DucatiGary said:

anonymous said:

[redacted]

i think its now 3 grand (although heard this second hand)

and if you have anything of value (nice car) they want you to sell it before they pay you anything.

They don't ask you about car ownership. Or any other assets, come to that.

Edited by Famous Graham on Wednesday 3rd December 09:28

[Big Rod]

Yeah, don't be embarrassed!

I've had to do it a couple of times so I know how you feel, and if you're not used to it, it can be a bit unpleasant, (especially if you forget to sign on, which I did a few times!), but by signing on, you can get a bit of help through council tax rebates and the like, also it keeps your national insurance up to date and will allow you to claim on your mortgage insurance.

You should really have donme it immediately.

[BoRED S2upid]

Get out there and start hunting. You will find a job in no time. Might not be a great one but would you like to be on benefits or in a factory working for a living?.

[Big Rod]

BoRED S2upid said:

Get out there and start hunting. You will find a job in no time. Might not be a great one but would you like to be on benefits or in a factory working for a living?.

Y'see, that's the problem. It's all well and good saying 'just go and get a job' but I'm sure the OP has financial commitments to meet and just any old job wouldn't cut it.

Fine if he doesn't have the commitments, I mean I'd have been quite happy to sweep the streets or similar until another job came along, but it's not that easy.

[HRG]

BoRED S2upid said:

Get out there and start hunting. You will find a job in no time. Might not be a great one but would you like to be on benefits or in a factory working for a living?.

Times are different at the moment. Normally I'd agree with you, but at the moment the work simply isn't there.

[Famous Graham]

HRG said:

BoRED S2upid said:

Get out there and start hunting. You will find a job in no time. Might not be a great one but would you like to be on benefits or in a factory working for a living?.

Times are different at the moment. Normally I'd agree with you, but at the moment the work simply isn't there.

Additionally, and I think this was mentioned the other day, you really have to pare down your CV. If there's any hint of "just doing it for a job and won't be interested in pursuing it long term", employers aren't interested. Which is understandable, but a little frustrating.

[bigandclever]

This isn't my favourite interweb calculator of all time, but might help you to have an idea of the benefits that may be available to you.

http://www.entitledto.co.uk/