Job Centre Info

[markieboy]

I have recently been informed that as of April 30th 2009 i am being made redundant. At 52 years of age i am unsure on procedures on who to contact and what information to give to progress any Job seeker's allowance. Can anyone supply basic info on my best options on what to tell and not what to tell any interested parties.

[Buenchico]

(2-part post):

You can claim JSA online here:
http://www.dwp.gov.uk/eservice/

Alternatively, you can claim by phone: [phone] (8.00 am - 6.00 pm Monday to Friday).

Once you've made your claim, you'll be given an interview appointment at your local Jobcentre Plus. (Actually, it might not be that local. Only the larger Jobcentre Plus offices carry out interviews. You might have to travel slightly 'out of area' to attend the interview. If you do, make sure that you claim your travelling expenses, which will be refunded in cash the end of the interview).

There are two types of JSA. Since it seems likely that you'll have paid sufficient National Insurance contributions, you'll initially receive Contribution-Based JSA. The good point about C-B JSA is that it's not 'means tested' against your savings (or your partner's income). The bad point is that you don't get things like free prescriptions, free eye tests and free optical vouchers.

[Buenchico]

If you don't find a job within 6 months, your entitlement to C-B JSA will run out. You'll then (possibly) be entitled to receive Income-Based JSA but that benefit is 'means tested'. If you've got savings (or a partner who is earning), your entitlement will be reduced (and you might possibly get nothing at all). I-B JSA does entitle you to things like free prescriptions, etc.

Key information:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefit s/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Employedor lookingforwork/DG_10018757

Depending upon your personal circumstances, you might also be able to claim other benefits, such as Council Tax Benefit
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefit s/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/On_a_low_i ncome/DG_10018923
or Local Housing Allowance
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefit s/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/On_a_low_i ncome/DG_10018928

If the inference in your question (relating to what to tell people) is that you might be thinking of 'bending the truth', you need to be aware that many benefit claims require you to produce relevant documentary information, such as your last 6 months bank statements.

Chris