When can I claim JSA

anewloginapparently

Have been told in my job that I'm being made redundant and my last day is on Friday (although I've had holiday to use up so I'm actually finished now), and that I am going to recieve one months pay in lieu of notice in with my February pay.

My question is can I claim JSA now or do I have to wait until that one months pay in lieu notice is a) paid or b) period covered (ie one month from now).

passatrider

If your last day is Friday then I would give them a call on the Monday and start your claim then.
You will be unemployed and as long as you are actively seeking work then you should qualify for it, subject to qualifying conditions such as savings/spouse income/NI contributions etc.

Good Luck!

Robbie64

I'm not 100% sure but I think pay in lieu of notice may push your claim back to the day after the period the money is intended to cover you as you are still technically employed until the end of the notice period.

Robbie64

I've just checked and payment in lieu of notice is treated as if you are still employed so you can't get JSA for that period.

See the notes for JSA and payments in lieu (about a third of the way down):

http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/briefings/severancepay.html

NASA_2

Holiday Pay/PILON ceased to be treated as earnings a few years ago now and is instead treated as capital. So (Depending on savings already held) assuming the compensation payments are less than £5,500 it will not affect the claim.

Regarding when to claim - you can claim in advance (Up to three months I think) so dont feel the need to wait until you are officially finished work - the DWP may tell you that it is not possible but it is in the regulations that it is allowed and they have a responsiblity to adhere to the regulations.

dookar

NASA wrote: »

Holiday Pay/PILON ceased to be treated as earnings a few years ago now and is instead treated as capital. So (Depending on savings already held) assuming the compensation payments are less than £5,500 it will not affect the claim.

Regarding when to claim - you can claim in advance (Up to three months I think) so dont feel the need to wait until you are officially finished work - the DWP may tell you that it is not possible but it is in the regulations that it is allowed and they have a responsiblity to adhere to the regulations.

Spot on. Also I'm pretty sure PILON falls to be disregardedif it is paid before the first day of the claim.

Regarding when to claim, if you wait until the first monday of unemployment then ( assuming your employment ends friday) you stand to lose two days money