Advice on claiming benefits after being dismissed..?

tupac662

Hi all,
I know I'm about to lose my job due to gross misconduct. I stupidly allowed a regular customer to buy a few things on credit (big no no) and he's decided not to pay up.
The last member of staff to do this was dismissed immediately for gross misconduct, so I'm quite sure the same will apply to me.

What would I be able to claim until I found another job?

I'm 26
Single
No kids yet
Rent privately
No savings, and soon to be unemployed

Thanks in advance

robpw2

you should be able to apply for jsa ,as you are being fired rather then you leaving

tupac662

thanks for that Robpw2, what if I resigned before dismissal? I'm guessing that would look better when applying for jobs?

greendollar

You can claim JSA but expect your benefits to be sanctioned (reduced) for anything up to 26 weeks as JCP will deem that you have made yourself intentionally unemployed .
The same would apply if you resign .
Make sure your employer uses the correct procedures when dismissing you , if they don't then it could be a way of keeping your job when/if you appeal any decision should they dismiss you .

robpw2

tupac662 wrote: »

thanks for that Robpw2, what if I resigned before dismissal? I'm guessing that would look better when applying for jobs?

you could be sanctioned for up to 26 weeks if you make yourself voluntary unemployed and apparently that could also include bieng sacked for misconduct but as i say apply and you will find out

Oldernotwiser

If a sanction is going to be applied, it will start from when you first make a claim so you should claim as soon as you finish working, if you don't have another job to go to.

tupac662

thanks a lot for the replies. I think I'll pop into my local CAB first thing in the morning.

greendollar

If you do claim JSA you will receive the full amount you are entitled to from the start of your claim as JCP will contact your employer to find out the circumstances behind your dismissal and will also ask your side of the story , only then will they make a decision about sanctioning your benefits . Knowing JCP this could take several months and you can appeal any decison .

tupac662

thanks greendollar. So I should be able to get some help with rent etc, and jsa? I really hope that that's the case

Oldernotwiser

tupac662 wrote: »

thanks greendollar. So I should be able to get some help with rent etc, and jsa? I really hope that that's the case

I think that greendollar's comments are over optimistic; if I were you, I'd prepare for the worst as far as JSA is concerned.

On the other hand, you can claim for help with rent and council tax, whether or not you're getting JSA so you should claim for everything as soon as you become unemployed.

greendollar

Yes , as soon as you're/if you're dismissed sign on , you can do it over the phone (the first 3 days unemployed don't count ) then you'll be given an appointment/interview at your local JCP .
Make sure you tell them you wish to claim for Housing and Council Tax Benefit .
Being a single man with no dependants there won't be much you can claim I'm afraid , but you should receive HB/CTB and JSA.

As I've said before , research statutory and your firms dismissal procedures and see if they are doing things by the book . Don't inform them if they're not as its a good bargaining tool should you appeal any dismissal as the firm won't want the cost of any tribunal claim should you wish to take it that far . Good Luck .

Post up exactly whats happened with your employer .

Have you been suspended ? Have you been interviewed ? What written notification have you been given ? How long have you been employed there ?

There are numerous procedures companies have to follow to dismiss someone fairly , if they slip up you can use this to reduce any punishment you receive .