Benefit

Godiva500

I have retired and we are moving to a new area - Husband decided to take early retirement from his job so that we could afford to do this. When we are settled he wants to look for less stressful work ( he was in NHS) - can he register for work and be entitled to any benefit - he has paid full stamp. OR does he have to wait so many weeks before he can get any payment because he decided to leave his job?

Any advice appreciated

Vicki

ukdickie31

Claim straight away. Anyone can claim, but not all will receive benefit.

If your husband is able to work, willing to work and actively seeking work, JSA (Income Based or Contributions Based or a mixture of both) can be claimed.

JSA based upon contibutions is paid for 6 months provided enough NI was paid in the relevant Tax years. 2005/06 and 2004/5 are the ones to look at.

JSA Income Based looks at the income / savings etc of the household.

With any JSA claim, the reasons for the last job ending will be taken into account. Any job finishing in the last 26 weeks on a 'voluntary basis' or where 'misconduct' led to the termination of employment could affect whether or not benefit is paid or sanctioned.

It is important however to claim and continue to sign on even if a decision could go or has gone against you regarding any sanction following leaving the last job. Your NI stamps are important and you will get these paid if you are still signing on and activly seeking and available for work, whether or not benefit is paid.

I am not sure of your ages but Pension Credit may be worth checking out.