What Benfits Might Someone Be Entitled To?

harveymail

I am asking this question on behalf of a relative, who has just been dismissed from his place of work. He was dismissed for hitting another worker after this worker was verbally abusing him, the incident was seen by his boss.

I am in no way exsusing this behaviour but of course I do not think he will be entitled to JSA as he was sacked for misconduct I presume. His boss said he was sorry to lose him but had no option as he witnessed the event.

Is this correct and if so what other benefits might he be entitled to, he is a single person (his wife left him and his two sons when they were only young), he owns his own property outright (as a result from compensation from an accident). Both boys are now grown up and no longer living in the property.

Any advice/information would be most welcome. He has registered at various employment agencies etc.

dseventy

Can't think of any benefits he will be entitled to.

He would need to apply for JSA though as if he is sanctioned they count frm the date of application and the sanction can be up to 26 weeks.

This might entitle him to crisis payments for basic food etc.

D70

rogerblack

In principle.
He could argue against a sanction on JSA, as he was not in control of his actions.
This would give 'good cause' for his dismissal.
If these uncontrollable outbursts were frequent, they would be grounds to claim ESA.

If they were very frequent, it may be an argument for DLA, or a free place in a secure hospital.

In all cases, this would only apply if he is not in rational control of his actions.

dandelionclock30

He may get JSA anyway and then he can claim other benefits. It is not true that a person is always sanctioned when they are sacked.
I was sacked last year for misconduct,I didnt do anything as severe as getting in a fight, but I did do something wrong.
Anyway I told the Jobcentre straight away and my employer confirmed it and I got the JSA.
If I were him I would put in a claim anyway and if he doesnt get it he can appeal and may be able put in a claim for hardship payments.. If he gets JSA , he should be able to claim council tax benefits. Im not too sure if you can get council tax benefit if your on hardship payments.
Best to ask the CAB about entitlements if this happens. In fact i'd run it all past the CAB anyway just to make sure that everything is correct.