Working in hospitality can be the most exciting and fulfilling job in the world. But what happens when you find yourself out of work? You’ve paid your taxes, so what benefits can you get from the government — how and when?
First of all, it’s easy to say ‘don’t worry’, but really — don’t worry! Getting stressed out won’t help matters and might even make it harder to find a new job or get what you’re entitled to. After all, what agent or advisor is going to go out of their way to help a moody, grumpy claimant?
Jobcentre Plus (freephone 0800 055 6688) should be your first point of contact to claim benefits (known as signing on) — but arm yourself with as much information as you can first. How much you can get, and when you can claim it, depends on a number of factors:
- Are you actively looking for work?
- Do you have dependent children or are you caring for someone?
- Are you off sick or disabled?
- Are you living with your partner?
- How did you lose your job?
All of these things and more will affect what you’re entitled to. You can find an online benefits advisor at Directgov’s website, where you can see what benefits and tax credits are available to you based on the answers you give. It’s confidential, and you can go back and amend your answers if your situation changes. None of what you enter will be seen by anyone but you.
Some benefits are based on contributions. This means that the amount and type of benefit you receive depends on how many National Insurance contributions you paid when you were working. Other benefits are means tested, which means you’ll be asked what income, savings or assets you have.
If you experience difficulties with the benefits system, you can make an appointment to see someone at the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB). This is a free service which provides face to face advice on loads of issues. To find your nearest office, see the CAB branch locator. They also have a helpful advice website with a range of FAQs that cover benefits not included in the Directgov online guide.
Give me the basics — who qualifies?
To get Jobseeker’s Allowance — what used to be called the dole, or unemployment benefit — you need to be:
- Over 18 and under pension age
- Legally resident in the UK
- Not in education or studying
- Not working or working less than 16 hours a week
- Available for work immediately
- You also need to have income and assets below a certain amount
The basic idea is that you should never be left without money. But bear in mind, the amount you’re entitled to depends on your individual circumstances, for example, if you have a partner who’s working.
But whether or not you qualify for Jobseeker’s Allowance, there are many other benefits and credits available, including:
- Attendance allowance
- Carer’s allowance
- Child benefit
- Child tax credit
- Council tax benefit
- Disability living allowance
- Housing benefit
- Income support
If you’re 16 or 17, there are special rules that apply; it’s harder for you to claim benefits as it’s hoped you’ll be at school and your parents or carers will be getting child benefit and child tax credits.
Pension age is currently 60 (men might be able to claim pension credit as an early retirement ahead of their state retirement pension), but on 6 April 2010, legislation changed and it will now increase steadily so that women are in line with men to retire at 65, and both will then continue to increase to a retirement age of 68 in the future.
How do I start a claim?
You can start a claim online at the Department for Work and Pension’s website or by going to a Jobcentre Plus. Either way, you’ll need to attend an interview at a Jobcentre Plus branch, where you’ll discuss your circumstances with an advisor and decide what action you’re going to take to help get back to work. They’re nice people and it’s their job to help you — so be nice to them.
What if I’m not from the UK?
Usually, people who come to the UK can’t access public funds, but if you’re from the European Economic Area, you have the right to the same benefits as a British citizen. However, because you need to have paid enough National Insurance contributions, you might still have trouble. Talk to someone at the CAB who can advise you.
What about when I find a new job?
Congratulations! You’ll need to tell the Jobcentre and sign off. You might even still be able to get benefit, in the form of tax credits.
But if your new job doesn’t last long — 12 weeks or less — you can sign back on under the rapid reclaim rules. These rules were introduced for people where nothing about their claim has changed and means the application should be processed within a week.
