Sorry About The Ongoing Saga!

[bednobs]

Hi all, i have NEVER been in a position of not having work before so it's all new to me. If i get made redundant (and get a payout) and can't get work straight away, should i apply for JSA? Will i still be entitled to contribution based if i've been on mat leave?

[excelsior-1]

Bednobs

I'm afraid I do not have the necessary knowledge to answer your question

But I just want to say all the best

[factor-fiction]

Probably. It depends on whether you paid sufficient NI contributions in a previous period. The reference period is quite some time in the past- maybe 2011/12. The amount of contributions needed is not great so even if you worked only half the year you should have paid enough. I don't know whether you get NI credits during Mat Leave but I think you probably do

[Stephen_G]

Short answer: Yes.

You'll have to ring your local Jobcentre and they'll go through the process with you (It'll take a few days before you get to see someone in there though).

I'll make way for the more technical bods with the long answer....:

[bednobs]

thanks. Is there any advantage to me in claiming JSA even if i don't have to for the money?

[ubasses]

Yes, keeps your NIC's up to date.

[factor-fiction]

Yes-
(a) the money comes in useful. After 30 years of paying NI and paying tax at 40% I had no qualms about claiming £70 a week for a few months
(b) You get Ni credits for your period claiming JSA
(c) it can make things easier if you ever have to sign on again in the future as they already have your records

[Charity]

I think there's still a benefits calculator on the DWP website.
Phone the contact centre number to claim (not your local jobcentreplus)

[Stephen_G]

You can have up to £16,000 in personal savings (Is about the only other thing I can add to the convo).

[bednobs]

thanks. I gather you can only get it for six months out of a year - i wondered if it might be better to wait till i REALLY need it? perhaps in six months time i'll be desperate to find work

[bednobs]

is that 16k for contributions based too?

[factor-fiction]

Whilst there are savings limits for Income Based JSA, there is no means testing for contribution based JSA- you could have £1ook in the bank but would still be entitled to full CBJSA .
It is taxable, however, and if you have any other regular income- eg pension- an equivalent amount may be deducted from your JSA.

[bednobs]

lol no pension (i am in my 30's)

[buildersmate]

BN
You should be aware that if your enhanced redundancy payment includes an element in it that is in lieu of your contractual notice, the JSA people will not allow you to claim JSA during this notice period. Your redundancy statement should tell you what your date of effective redundancy is, and (more importantly) what number of weeks in lieu you are being paid for.

[bednobs]

no it wont - i've already been given notice of redundancy and am working out that notice now. The business shuts down on 31st march2013 and i will be working till then

[buildersmate]

OK, that's fine then. Just checking.

[Gavmacp]

Bednobs,
I was a little low after being made redundant. If you can prepare for it and fill your days better than I did you may not suffer as I did.