partner just been made redundant - what benefits?

Bugsie1999

Hi,
My partner was made redundant last week with no notice, and without pay as the company went into administration
I'm struggling to get my head around benefits and jobseekers allowance, He has applied for jobseekers but still waiting to hear - he's also still waiting for his P45! I'm self employed, running a little craft business and earning a small wage, I calculated my hours at 20 a week. We have 3 children and currently get child tax credits. I've informed tax credits, but waiting to hear back from them too.
I'm wondering weather it would be better if I pushed my business more and upped my hours to 24 a week so we still get tax credits, but I understand my partner wouldn't get jobseekers. I'm not sure which would leave us better off - I'm in no position to be able to support us all, it was only suposed to be a pocket money job to fit around the children! In the meantime we are struggling to make ends meet, and I'm really worried about being able to go food shopping this week.
Hope someone can help - this is all really confusing!

Pedent

I believe that if an employer can't afford redundancy payments because it's insolvent, you can still get statutory redundancy pay from the government. You may be able to get some unpaid salary too, if that's the situation. Check http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/RedundancyAndLeavingYourJob/Redundancy/index.htm. The main catch is that it may take a while to come through.

carebear13

hi - if he has paid enough ni then he will get contribution based jsa, if he doesnt find a job at the 6 month stage then he will apply for income based jsa and if you earn too much then he wont get it.
just to give you an idea- my wage was about £135 for 16 hrs and he couldnt get ib jsa.
i'm not sure what the criteria is for wtc with regards to how many hours etc, but i'm sure someone will be able to help you with that.

xylophone

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/Employees/Pay/DG_10026695