job seekers

[pattylou]

i am approaching retirement age(2 years to go) if i hand in my resignation now how long before i can claim job seekers allowance?

[dot.hawkes]

You cannot claim job seekers allowance if you voluntarily make yourself unemployed as far as i understand it, you can only claim income support, or incapacity benefit if you are unfit for work. I could be wrong but that is how I see it.

[dee5]

I think you can go and sign on but you wont receive any money for 13 weeks as you made your self unemployed.

[clairelb]

Hi

If I remember correctly, if you voluntarily left employment at any point in the 26 weeks prior to making a claim, you eligibility may be effected. In each case, I believe it will be refered to someone who will make the decision as to whether you will get any money (generally, if it's a straightforward 'you left', you won't get any money for a maximum of 6mths).

Don't forget there are other circumstances which may affect your entitlement eg if you have a partner who is working full time and earning above a certain amount. I believe they may be deemed to be responsible for supporting you.

[WoWo]

It's also worth a mention that doing so might effect the amount you recieve in a pension. Worth looking into that also.

[patc7641]

Pattylou, I would suggest making a claim for Jobseekers Allowance even if you have left voluntarily. I work in a jobcentre and this is a mistake that people often make. They assume they wont get anything. All cases are dealt with individually, you may not get anything for a period of up to 6 months but no matter when you make your claim in the 12 months after leaving you will still have to serve this sanction. Therefore if you sign on immediately and get sanctioned for 26 weeks, you will have served it and may then become entitled. If you wait you may be losing entitlement to possible benefits.

[Famous5]

You may not get cash benefit, but you should get credits towards your retirement pension so that it isn't reduced by the time you come to draw it.

You will need to sign Job Seekers Agreement, look for jobs and attend fortnightly to report profress and sign on.

Why not try an appointment at Job Center and get advice before you resign, or look at their website.