Benefits, How Much?

[mifta]

My husband has been in his current job for 18 months. He was lucky, as he was made redundant after 20 years with his previous employer and got his new job straight away. His current employer is a small business and he feels that they may be getting rid of some staff and he would be one of the first ones that they let go.

If he is without work, what kind of financial support would we get in the way of benefits? We have never been in this position before, as he got a reasonable redundancy package after his job ended after 20 years. I work full time and earn �21500 and we have 2 young children.

Thanks in advance.

[themas]

If he has been paying NI contributions for the last 2 or 3 years, he would be entitled to 6 months Contribution Based Job Seekers Allowance (about �60 per week). You would probably be entitled to some Child Tax Credit. If you rent, you might get some Housing Benefit; you might also get some Council Tax Benefit. All these (except the JSA) are means tested so, with your own income, you may not qualify.

[Mr Veritas]

Bring back the Workhouse I say!