I’m writing for advice on claiming ‘New Style’ Jobseekers Allowance instead of Universal Credit. My friend has lost his job and has received 3 months salary as a payoff in a lump sum, although he’s not entirely sure if this is a redundancy payment or if he’s on gardening leave (he has been told he is no longer required). He is going to clarify this, but he did an online benefits calculation that said he would be entitled to pennies in Universal Credit due to this payment and also he has a rental income on a property he owns. Is he able to claim ‘New Style’ JSA instead of UC, or in addition to it? Assuming he has been made redundant and is not on gardening leave, he has been in full time employment and will have NI Contributions for several years, he is available for and is seeking work, from what I have read he would qualify for NS JSA. However, the Entiitledto calculation didn’t suggest this as an option, and Martin Lewis’ weekly email doesn’t mention it at all (there’s a passing reference to people on JSA). I just want to check that this is definitely an option for my friend and that it’s worth making a claim, perhaps even I’m addition to UC.
Providing they have a minimum of 50 weeks of NI Contributions in both of the Tax Years 2017-18 and 2018-19 then they should be able to make a claim for New Style JSA but be aware that this is only payable for six months.
Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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