Getting reassessed for benefit entitlements?

rebeccak

At the moment I'm in work and not on any benefits but there are going to be redundancies so I'm trying to get a bit of understanding about what my situation will be if the worst happens...

If I get made redundant, my total savings and redundancy pay (depending on a number of factors between now and then) is likely to be around £16000. From what I can work out, while I'd be entitled to contribution-based JSA for 6 months, this is the cut off point for income-based JSA and any other income-based support, mortgage help etc. At the moment, I'm not sure which side of this savings threshold I would fall.

If I am just over the threshold, my income from contribution-based JSA and interest on my savings is nowhere near going to cover my mortgage and other basic bills (plus a couple of potential major bills/expenses coming my way...) so realistically my savings are going to be rapidly depleting and, if I can't find a job, will eventually run out.

My question is, therefore, can I ask to be re-assessed later if I was initially turned down for income-based JSA etc? - If so, is there a certain amount time that has to elapse before I can apply for it? Would I have to prove that I have spent my money on essentials and not frittered it away?

Mojisola

As you should get CB JSA for six months, there shouldn't be a problem. By the time you come to be assessed for means tested benefits, you'll be below the limit.

Drawing on your savings isn't going to be sustainable so have a serious look at ways of reducing your outgoings just in case another job doesn't turn up and you're on benefits for some time.

rebeccak

Thanks. I thought when you first went to the job centre, you just filled in one form and they would assess your eligibility for both at the same time. So when I first go to the job centre, I can just apply for contribution-based JSA rather than having my whole entitlement/financial situation assessed, then (if necessary) at the end of 6 months make a new application for income-based JSA?

princessdon

rebeccak wrote: »

Thanks. I thought when you first went to the job centre, you just filled in one form and they would assess your eligibility for both at the same time. So when I first go to the job centre, I can just apply for contribution-based JSA rather than having my whole entitlement/financial situation assessed, then (if necessary) at the end of 6 months make a new application for income-based JSA?

They don't ask for any statements with my OH but don't know if that was because my wages excluded it anyway, but no details asked.

But ... They do ask for 6 -12 mos statements for income related so no huge extravagence but don't live like a pauper either, apply common sense.

Horseunderwater

When and if the worst does happen - you can now do an application on line intitially and can tick the appropriate box for contributions based JSA. However you can only do that once you have lost your job. The DWP will then ring you and book an appointment for you to attend a first signing on etc. It is as simple as that. If you use your money from the redundency to pay your normal bills like council tax,mortgage/rent utilities etc and the JSA to pay for food and job searching, etc hopefully you will be able to find and get a job within the 6 months period. Do not go out and buy stuff for the sake of reducing your savings as that is classed as deprivation of capital and they can treat it as if you still have the full amount. Keep good records of what you spend it on. Bank statements showing £x paid to council, or water etc. And as another poster said, look at your outgoings and reduce them as much as you can - re jigging finances before the SHTF so to speak is best when you can.