voluntary redundency

[grifter]

i am very disillusioned with my current job. however the chance of voluntary redundancy has been offered to me.
its a very good offer which would allow me to pay of all my debts (except mortgage) and still be left with 18 mnts salary. however i would still need to find another job. my wife is working full time so this obviously helps. i am unskilled ,my company will will pay �500 towards any courses i may wish to take towards my new career.
any suggestion of a course that will improve my prospects of a new career. also does anyone know if i would be intitled to claim any benefits. if not immediately after how long.
also as my wifes and my combined wage will be reduced will our child tax credits go up.
anybody help? thanks

[angeldraws]

I guess it depends on your age to some extent (altho most organisations would not admit that to be a downfall, due to 'ageist' policies becoming popular) - however, if the company are offering funding for training, i personally, would snap it up.
Regarding a claim for any benefits - it depends on the National Insurance contributions you have made in the past and for how long, and also, how much capital you will have (ie your redundancy payment).
Regarding your Tax Credits - again, it depends on whether or not your redundancy payment takes you over the 'capital' amount you are allowed to have and still claim. For example, as a single person, you can have savings of up to 10,000 (i think) without incurring any penalties on the amount of benefit you receive. But as a couple it is around 16,000. Hope this isn't confusing!!!