Jobseekers benefit after leaving job

Whiplashy

I'm finishing up work at the end of next week having resigned. I think I remember reading somewhere that you're not entitled to claim benefit if you resign. Is that the case? Would I still be entitled to apply for allowance? I'm not too clear on the difference between the two to be honest! Also when do I approach the social welfare? Do I wait until I've finished up work or is there forms that I should have filled in ready to hand in when I finish up? Sorry for all the questions!

Penny Tration

The first day you are unemployed, go down and sign on.


Because you resigned, you can be excluded from receiving payment for up to nine weeks. However, if the deciding officer deems your reason for leaving to be good enough, they can waive or reduce the exclusion period, but that's at their discretion (they did for me because of illegal activity in the company, they didn't for my boyfriend who worked 3 months without lunch breaks or days off, so it really is at the officer's discretion!). It doesn't matter if you're applying for benefit or allowance, the same exclusion period applies to both.


When you sign on, on your first day of unemployment, you will be given forms to fill out. You'll have to bring them back with any supporting documents they ask for (p45, bank statements, etc). If you don't have a new public services card with photo, you'll be given an appointment for one of those, too. They'll write to your employer, asking them for confirmation of your resignation (your form has a section to fill out staying your reason for leaving).


After that, they'll make a decision and inform you in writing.

TediousProcess

I was also told 9 weeks and after speaking with my local citizens information centre, they encouraged me to go in to Intreo asap as I may be entitled to claim sooner. It's not an automatic 9 weeks disqualification. I missed out on weeks of payments and completely depleted the small savings I had because I needed them to live on while I mistakenly waited out the 9 weeks.

So definitely head down. In my experience, they're really decent people at the Intreo centres and not out to get you. Good luck.

eastbono

Claims like this are dealt with on a case by case basis as there may be extenuating circumstances as to why the claimant resigned from their job. Its very rarely that there is a 9 week disqualification unless the reason for resignation is gross misconduct.