If you have been made redundant, you may be eligible to claim benefits whilst looking for your next job and as you take the first steps in your new career.
Go online to www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators to find full details about all of the benefits available.
Universal Credit may support you if you are on a low income or out of work. It includes a monthly payment to help with your living costs. If you need to make a claim, apply at www.gov.uk/universal-credit or find out more at www.understandinguniversalcredit.gov.uk
You may be able to claim contribution based benefits if you have paid enough National Insurance contributions over the last 2/3 complete tax years. If you are not sure whether you have paid enough contributions over the previous 2 / 3 tax years (having been in paid employment in that period), you should make a claim. We will make the necessary checks with HMRC to establish if you are entitled.
You can find out more about new style Jobseeker’s Allowance at www.gov.uk/guidance/new-style-jobseekers-allowance and new style Employment and Support Allowance at www.gov.uk/guidance/new-style-employment-and-support-allowance. You may also be entitled to Universal Credit if you wish to claim for dependants and / or rent.