Panicking about benefits entitlement

Earthling18

There's a chance I may lose my job soon. I'm actively looking and hope to find another but I want to know how much I'd recieve while I was out of work, if it came to it. 

I used EntitledTo and it came out with a figure of £368.75 a month income, in additiont to a council tax reduction and a SMI loan. This is made up of £367.47 JSA and £1.28 UC.

Does that seem right?

I'm really panicking as it might just about cover my essential bills (utilities, water, broadband [in a contract so can't cancel], etc) with nothing left over for food or anything else. I don't even know if I could switch to an interest-only mortgage as I only took out the mortgage in 2022.

I don't want to make this too long so please ask if you need any details. I have no savings, no other sources of income, no dependents, worked continuously since graduating so around 13 years of NI contributions.

poppy12345

New style JSA would be £84.80/week, paid fortnightly. UC paid monthly and the JSA is deducted in full. Council tax reduction on top of that but all LA's have their own criteria so can't advise how much you'll be entitled to. The majority of people have to pay a small contribution when claiming CTR.

For SMI you need to be claiming UC for 3 months before you qualify. https://www.gov.uk/support-for-mortgage-interest/eligibility This would not be paid to you.

Saver73

Not sure what sector you work in but would you consider temporary work? You can still look for permanent work. I've done that previously and it's an opportunity to try something new, learn additional skills etc, whilst still earning. Also, you may have success with a temp to perm opportunity.

Robbie64

Depending on which telecoms company you are with, you might be able to move your broadband contract over to a social tariff, even while still in contract, if you start to get UC.

Earthling18

Thanks everybody. I probably shouldn't justify myself but I bought my first house late last year and put all my savings into the deposit and then some urgent repairs. It will pay off in the long run as my mortgage is £400 lower than the rent I was paying, but it does leave me starting again with savings.

I have an interview with another company tomorrow so please wish me luck. 

HillStreetBlues

@Earthling18

I'm sure every decent member of the forum wishes you good luck

Saver73

Earthling18 said:

Thanks everybody. I probably shouldn't justify myself but I bought my first house late last year and put all my savings into the deposit and then some urgent repairs. It will pay off in the long run as my mortgage is £400 lower than the rent I was paying, but it does leave me starting again with savings.

I have an interview with another company tomorrow so please wish me luck. 

Good luck!