JSA/Redundancy/Maternity query

Gjenkins1985

Hi, I was wondering if anyone could offer some advice...

I recently took voulantary redundancy during the start of my maternity leave as my job was an hours drive from home, and with a new baby it was not going to be possible to commute every day (driving is too expensive), so returning was not really an option and therefore taking VR seemed like a good idea. The redundancy amount I got was minimal (£600) however they paid out in advance a lump sum equivalent of the 39 weeks SMP I would have been entitled to (which got taxed,a lot!) which I would have been paid monthly, should I have not taken VR.

the SMP technically takes me up to July this yar. My question is can I claim JSA in the future (before July) as I will need a job by then, if not before, as money is so tight.

any help would be appreciated.

thanks!

Gjenkins1985

Bumping for advice!

allen35

As you have been paid SMP in advance i would expect this to be used as income received until the date it is meant to end.

Based on you saying you were taxed a lot, you will may be entitled to a tax refund as your personal allowance of approx' £200 pw before you pay tax wasn't reached for a majority of the tax year (redundancy payments are tax free)

Have you claimed tax credits, once again when declaring your final income for this tax year deduct £100 pw whilst on SMP as it is disregarded or you can ask for a recalculation based on current years income which may increase entitlement.

If you are a single parent you will be able to claim Income Support depending on other income/savings.

Have you claimed help with Council Tax/Housing due to current low income, something you need to look into.