Unemployment benefit.

[georgeg]

If I am made redundant and decide to take an early small pension to supplement our income,am I still entitled to unemployment benefit as I would still need to be seeking some sort of employment. This maybe part time depending on what is available to me.I doubt if would be able to get a job as a draughtsman at my age (57years)

[kags]

Assuming you have been paying your national insurance contributions, if you are made redundant you are entitled to contributions based Jobseekers allowance for 26 weeks (current rate �56.20). Any occupational pension up to �50 a week is ignored, any amount over that reduces the jobseekers allowance pound for pound. You may also be able to claim other income related benefits if your total income and savings are under the set limits. After the 26 weeks, you will be fully means tested to assess your entitlement to income based jobseekers allowance.

[buildersmate]

In addition to the above you need to be aware that if part of your termination payment (redundancy) was actually counted as pay in lieu of notice, then you won't be able to allow for Job Seekers Allowance for the initial time period that is the notice period.