JSA: Would I be entitled?

doodle-bug_2

I left my job at the very end of last year, voluntary severance, after working full time over twenty years. I have not been actively looking for a job so far, but intend to do so shortly. Because of this, I have not yet claimed JSA: Contribution based - honesty, sometimes, does not pay!

I think that I can still start to claim JSA (Contribution) as I have paid tax for the last 20 odd years. Assuming I put in a claim at the end of September - would I be entitled to JSA for the six months (which would take me into next year if I cannot find a job quickly)?

I've never claimed benefits before so really have not a clue. I know that if I cannot get a job after 6 months, I would not be entitled to anything else as my husband works above the threshold allowed.

So, my question is:
Would I be entitled to JSA (contribution) for a full six months if needed - even if this goes into next year?

rogerblack

To raise points in no particular order.
20 years is quite irrelevant, what is important is your earnings and NI conts in (if you applied for JSA now) 2009/10 and 2010/11.
Was this voulantary redundancy - company says 'we need x people to leave' - this is a 'legitimate' reason to leave, or did you just quit (with agreement).
Quitting is not a legitimate reason to leave, and you may be in principle sanctioned for a period.
As I understand it however, the maximum sanction would be 26 weeks, and it's reduced as time goes on, so now you would not be able to be sanctioned, even if you left for no reason - too long has passed.

If you claim in September, your claim will still be based around tax years 09/10 and 10/11.
It will run for 6 months. (unless you are sanctioned for not keeping the various agreements)

doodle-bug_2

It was a voluntary severance - they stopped short of calling it redundancy. A friend of mine also left and claimed immediately. Her experience showed that the severance was classed similar to redundancy, with no sanctions being made. I am aware though that all offices are different.

I know that I have paid the appropriated NI contributions, but I was worried that once 2012 was finished, I may not be entitled to the rest of the 6 month period.

McKneff

What has honesty got to do with it. You were entitled to at least claim JSA

I cannot understand why you didnt claim JSA when you first left work.

doodle-bug_2

I never claimed because I was not looking for a job when I initially left!
Now, I am thinking of doing so, hence my question.

I'll get my stuff together and put in a claim - thanks for your replies.