Unemployment Benefit

[Maggoty]

Hi guys

Just wondered if there was an easy way you calculate how much UB I would be entitled to. It looks as if my side of the company will be folding and I will be let go looked on line but claiming benefit is all new to me so a complete fog.

I have worked for 36-37 years with only one 3 month break when I left the navy. At that point I had 3 months dole (as it was in those days). I have not claimed any other benefit payments in all those 37 years. If assuming I get no redundancy and I did not resign : do you know roughly how much it will be?

I am looking around now but I have a mortgage and I am on my own so just wondered what my options were.

cheers guys

x

[ubasses]

http://www.redundancyexpert.co.uk/what-do-if-your-employer-becomes-insolvent.html

The above may help you, you should still be entitled to some statutory redundancy pay even if your employer goes bankrupt. You will also be entitled to NI based unemployment benefit which is not means tested. If you have a look at the Gov website that should tell you whether you would be entitled to anything else.

[Buenchico]

There are two types of Job Seeker's Allowance. People who've got a recent full record of National Insurance contributions are eligible for Contribution-Based JSA. It's not means-tested. (A multi-millionaire, with a dozen mansions and several yachts could get it, as long as he was actively seeking work). Since you're over 25, you'd get £71.70 per week.

However Contribution-Based JSA only lasts for a maximum of 6 months. Thereafter you'd be eligible for Income-Based JSA but, importantly, that IS means-tested. If you qualified for the full amount (e.g.if you lived on your own and had no significant savings) you'd get exactly the same as before (£71.70 per week) but that is reduced if you've got savings of over £6000. Since a partner's income is also taken into account, anyone with a partner in full-time employment normally gets absolutely nothing in JSA (except that, if they stay 'signed on' their National Insurance contributions continue to be paid for them).

https://www.gov.uk/jobseekers-allowance/overview

The 'extras' that come with JSA, such as free health prescriptions and mortgage assistance aren't available to those on Contribution-Based JSA. They're only available to people in receipt of Income-Based JSA.

https://www.gov.uk/support-for-mortgage-interest/overview

[Maggoty]

Thank you :-)

I am actively looking for a job - defo now as £71.70 won't even touch the sides :-)

Thank you guys

x

[Hypognosis]

"You must have £16,000, or less in savings"
..taken from:-
https://www.gov.uk/jobseekers-allowance/eligibility

I'm sure your mortgage outgoings -will- have a bearing on your claim but don't know the details of how it is worked out. Maybe the idea is that you draw down your savings to that level before you can claim anything?

So, in fewer words, you can pay your NI for 36-37 years and, the moment you need it, you get nothing back. What a great country we're living in, eh?

[Maggoty]

Well 'luckily' for me I don't have any savings :-(.

And to be honest I don't intend to 'stay on' UB. and in a weird way I am glad that it is as low as that - won't encourage others to stay on it. Or is it only the likes of me that get so little.

How people survive on so little beats me.

Thanks guys

x

[factor-fiction]

>you can pay your NI for 36-37 years and, the moment you need it, you get nothing back. What a great country we're living in, eh?

This is not quite the case, Hypognosis. Buenchico's detailed reply sets out the arrangements for Contribution Based JSA which is paid for 6 months

[Hypognosis]

Thanks, factor. Buen's post only appeared after I pressed the submit button on mine, making mine look a bit silly.

[Hypognosis]

Aww, my smiley-with-dunce's hat (aimed at self, I hasten to add) got censored! What The Funicular?

[Hypognosis]

and why does typing a particular sequence of just three letters magically transform into something you did not actually write?

[EDDIE51]

How old are you Maggoty? I was made redundant at age 57 after 40 years in work, even the job centre clerk told me ( off the record) that the chance of ever working again was next to nothing as no one wants an over 55 year old. I duly signed on for the 26 weeks and despite 120 applications not even a reply let alone an interview. The only way I got work was by going to an employment agency and saying I would do anything. I mainly get work washing up in commercial kitchens but i have just been given 6 weeks work at an old people home cleaning while the regular job holder is off with a broken wrist.
I have a degree in industrial analytical chemistry and 40 years in a lab but now i am one of the worlds best qualified washer ups.

[Maggoty]

Sorry Eddie51 - just noticed your post. I am 55 this year but I am a great believer in 'getting on the train' at any level. I will be happy to work stacking shelves at Tescos - with the hope that I'll be running it within 6 months :-) Unfounded optimism I know, but that works for me :-)

x