Deleted

Snakey

Deleted - thanks for the advice

elsien

You register with the DWP online, then they call you in to look at your circumstances and do a job seekers agreement. They will tell you what paperwork you need to take - I had to take my redundancy letter along. I think you would have to take any paperwork showing why you're no longer at work. You may be sanctioned for a bit, don't know how that side of it works.
I can't answer your questions about benefits - as a single person with savings, I'm not entitled to anything except job seekers. Check entitled to or other similar sites re your own circumstances.
Don't expect them to be helpful or point you in the direction of helpful advice and information, they're there to meet targets and that's it. So smile nicely and play the game. Don't expect them to have relevant information on your field either. My job coach didn't have a clue.
I had already updated my CV and shown I was looking for work so have been given 3 months to find an equivalent role before I have to start applying for all and sundry.
You will need to register with universal job match. Which I personally find a complete waste of time. I would advise not ticking the box that gives them access to it. You don't have to show them, although some job centre staff will tell you otherwise. You will need to keep other records to prove you're looking and applying for things.

Is there anything you can do while still at work to help with job hunting? How are references going to work, any training you can complete, that sort of thing? What about mortgage protection insurance - check any terms and conditions for that. And review all direct debits etc now to cut unnecessary expenditure.