Can i claim JSA?

bob60

Hi everyone
After 35 years of working it is likely that i will be made redundant shortly. i am single, own my home outright and have over 16k savings. would i be entitled to JSA or any other benefit whilst looking for another job.
sorry is it is a dumb question but i have never claimed any benefits before.
thanks

StressedOutMummy

Hi Bob,

If you qualify for conts based JSA - and it's highly likely that you will if you have been working , then savings will not have an impact on the claim. If you have an occupational pension then this may reduce the amount of money you will receive.I think it's a reduction of £1 from benefit for every £50 you get in OP, but I may be wrong there.

bob60

hi
thanks for that
i receive a small pension of £50 per month

HB58

The £50 the SOM mentioned would be per week. You would be able to claim JSA on a contributary basis for 6 months, then you would be assessed for income related benefit - which is when your pension, savings and partners income (if you are living with a partner) come into the picture.

bob60

thanks HB
so presumably after 6 months i would have to live off my hard earned savings?

McKneff

have confidence, you'll probably have found a brilliant new job by then.

Good luck with it.

bob60

yes hopefully
i am just naturally cautious and like to plan. it does seem a little unfair that after working for 35 years as a key worker i may only be able to get help for 6 months, but hey...