What benefits can I claim after redundancy?

Universal Credit (UC) is the main working-age benefit in the UK. It can help with day-to-day living costs, rent and children. You may be able to claim it if your household savings are under £16,000 and your income has dropped.

If you live with a partner, you usually have to claim as a couple, and their income and savings are taken into account too.

If you've paid enough Class 1 National Insurance contributions in the last two to three tax years, you may be able to claim New Style Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) for up to 182 days while you look for work.

New Style JSA is not means-tested, so savings and a partner's income don't usually affect it. You can claim it alongside Universal Credit, but the JSA amount is taken off your UC.

If you rent your home, Universal Credit usually includes a housing element to help with rent. If you're a pensioner, Housing Benefit may apply instead.

Council Tax Reduction (sometimes called Council Tax Support) is run by your local council. Every council's scheme is slightly different, so apply directly through your council's website.

Statutory redundancy pay and most contractual redundancy pay are treated as capital (savings), not income. If your total savings stay below £6,000, they don't affect Universal Credit. Between £6,000 and £16,000, your UC is reduced. Over £16,000, you usually can't claim UC at all.

Payment in lieu of notice and holiday pay are usually treated differently and may count as earnings for the assessment period they're paid in.

• Help from your energy supplier if you fall behind on bills
• Free school meals if you have children and a low income
• NHS Low Income Scheme for prescriptions and dental costs
• Charitable grants via Turn2us