what, if any, benefit help could I claim?

northern_star

I have suddenly found myself out of work for the first time.
My employer told me they could no longer fund my current role due to an overspent budget but she felt they could offer me 'something' (basic admin) in another office.
All things considered, this wasn't a viable option so I handed my notice in and have now left.
I am a lone parent with a 14 year old and an 18 year old (still in full-time education) living at home.
I intend to find another job asap but in the meantime can I get any financial help from anywhere?
I've tried the entitledto site but it doesn't seem to answer my question

Spendless

If you find a job for 16 hours a week or more you will be able to claim tax credits, since you still have school age kids. In the meantime I'd have thought you could go onto IS.
CAB could help you.
all the best

Js_Other_Half

As alone parent of an under 16 year old, I would be very surprised if you don't get income support (but these days even as a lone parent you have an interview for it beforehand)- and if you get chid benefit for the 18 year old, then you'll get money for him/her as well.
If you have more than a few £1000 in savings, then that will affect the amount you receive.
If you are in a rented property then you may be entitled to housing benefit and council tax benefit; but if you are an owner occupier then you will probably not be entitled to any help with the mortgage at this stage (although you may still be entitled to council tax benefit)
However, having said that, if you receive money from the CSA, then the government will claw back all but a very small amount.

Are you a member of a union? If so, I'd investigate the possiblities of constructive dismissal with them - something sound 'off' with your employers story.

You do need to get yourself down to the job centre to claim benefits asap. Have a read through the jobcentre plus site:-
http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk/JCP/Customers/WorkingAgeBenefits/index.html

Good luck with it.

Dave_T_UK

You say in you post "so I handed my notice in " why did you do that ? if they were going to terminate your employment. You might have problems making a claim now, as it will be classed that you decided to walk out of your job ?

northern_star

Dave_T_UK wrote:

You say in you post "so I handed my notice in " why did you do that ? if they were going to terminate your employment. You might have problems making a claim now, as it will be classed that you decided to walk out of your job ?

On reflection, I possibly should have stayed and forced their hand to make me redundant. However, the situation was extremely uncomfortable and I hadn't been there long enough to qualify for any redundancy payment.
I sensed what they were after was 'encouraging' me to leave (constructive dismissal I guess) and it seems like i've played into their hands.

I was simply thinking about getting out with as little fuss as possible, bearing in mind that I will need a reference from them for another job.

northern_star

Apologies to all as I seem to have submitted OP in the wrong thread - my question was intended for the benefits thread. Can moderator move if appropriate, please?