Can I Apply for Benefits Weeks in Advance of Being Made Unemployed?

debtslave2024

I look set to be made unemployed at end of April. I know very little about benefits, can I apply for Universal Credit/Jobseekers allowance, 5 weeks in advance in the anticipation of unemployment.

I read it takes 5 weeks just for Universal Credit just to be issued?

Spoonie_Turtle

debtslave2024 said:

I look set to be made unemployed at end of April. I know very little about benefits, can I apply for Universal Credit/Jobseekers allowance, 5 weeks in advance in the anticipation of unemployment.

I read it takes 5 weeks just for Universal Credit just to be issued?

I don't know about timing to claim JSA, I think I recall you have to actually be unemployed but not 100% certain.

UC you can claim whenever, but it will take into account any and all wages received in the calendar month from when you start your claim.  So if you would not be entitled to much or anything with your current wages, it would be advantageous to wait and not start your claim until after you've received your final pay from your employer.

UC has a calendar month assessment period, then your payment is about a week after that ends.  Which is why you hear of a 5 week wait - it is, but in reality it's only a week longer than if you'd been still employed and paid wages for that month.

housebuyer143

debtslave2024 said:

I look set to be made unemployed at end of April. I know very little about benefits, can I apply for Universal Credit/Jobseekers allowance, 5 weeks in advance in the anticipation of unemployment.

I read it takes 5 weeks just for Universal Credit just to be issued?

You can't claim JSA for the future. On the day you actually become unemployed go on and apply as they don't back date it. Then I think 1 week is disregarded and they pay from week 2. 

I'm not sure about UC but I doubt it because they will require your information from the time you apply, not from a future date. 

You might get another job and start the next day after you other one ends, so they don't work in hypotheticals.

debtslave2024

With my current job set to end of April. Confirmed my NI for tax years 22/23 & 23/24 is only Class 2 & 4 (self-employed), no Class 1.

Savings <£2k, single, homeowner, fit for work.

1. Does this definitely rule out 'New Style' JSA?
2. Assuming Universal Credit is the main option, is applying the day after I receive my final pay at the end of April the correct timing to avoid issues? Also please explain, in simple terms if this is indeed the correct timings. I really do not understand this Universal credit stuff. Thanks.

poppy12345

As self employed you will not be entitled to New style JSA. 

Yes, the best time to claim UC would be the day after you receive your final pay. I’m not surprised you are confused given the multiple threads you’ve started, this makes its very difficult to keep up. 

debtslave2024

@poppy12345 Thanks. Can you explain one thing please. I do not understand why I should apply for UC 1 day after being made unemployed at the end of April (given the 5 week delay.) I already only earn roughly £600 a month, and most probably eligible for UC right now? Should I not apply right now (given my very low income,) and then once unemployed, inform at that moment that I no longer have any income?

Spoonie_Turtle

If you're eligible for any UC with your current wages then you should probably claim it ASAP. 

Usually when people claim because of work ending, they don't already claim it because they aren't eligible and will become so when they no longer have that income.  In those cases, if they claim before receiving final pay, they'll have a very reduced or nil payment at the end of their first assessment period because UC takes into account income received.

debtslave2024

@Spoonie_Turtle Thanks, I will most likely apply tomorrow then.