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Redundancy

What to do after losing your job in the UK

6 min read · Reviewed by BenefitCheck Editorial Team · Updated 26 May 2026

The first week after losing your job is a lot to take in. This guide breaks it into practical steps, so you know what to do and in what order. Take it one item at a time.

First 7 days

  • Read your termination letter and check redundancy pay, notice and holiday pay
  • Save your last three payslips and your P45
  • Check what you can claim — Universal Credit, New Style JSA, Council Tax Reduction
  • Tell your mortgage lender or landlord if you may struggle with rent
  • List essential outgoings vs nice-to-haves

First 30 days

  • Apply for Universal Credit if eligible — there's a five-week wait for the first payment
  • Ask for an advance if you need cash sooner
  • Speak to creditors about Breathing Space or payment holidays
  • Cancel non-essential subscriptions
  • Check your energy supplier for hardship help
  • Start jobseeking — update CV, LinkedIn, and tell your network

Money and bills

Triage your bills into priority debts (rent or mortgage, council tax, utilities, court fines) and non-priority (credit cards, store cards, overdrafts). Priority debts first.

Charities like StepChange and Citizens Advice offer free debt advice. You don't need to use a paid debt management company.

Look after yourself

Redundancy is one of life's bigger stresses. Tell someone you trust, keep a basic routine, and don't isolate yourself. If your mental health is suffering, contact your GP or call Samaritans on 116 123.

What usually comes next

People in this situation often explore

These are the questions readers usually look at next — pick whichever feels closest to where you are.

Find out what you may be entitled to

Take the free 15-question check for an indicative view of UK benefits and support that may apply to you. No login, no email required.

Start your benefit check

Frequently asked questions

Sources and further reading

Practical next steps

Calm, ordered actions you can take now. Pick the one that fits where you are today.

  1. Start the free benefit check

    Indicative results in about five minutes. No login.

Common situations

People reading this guide often find one of these situations close to theirs.

  • When you rent privately

    How Universal Credit, Local Housing Allowance and Discretionary Housing Payments help private renters after a drop in income.

  • When you own your home

    How Universal Credit, Support for Mortgage Interest and lender help work together for homeowners after job loss.

Related guides

  • Redundancy

    What benefits can I claim after losing my job?

    A calm, step-by-step UK roadmap after job loss — Universal Credit, New Style JSA, Council Tax Reduction, housing support, NHS help, energy grants and more. Plain English, updated for 2026/27.

  • Housing

    Help with rent after losing your job

    Universal Credit housing element, Discretionary Housing Payments, Housing Benefit and other UK support that may help you cover rent after losing your income.

  • Housing

    Help with mortgage payments after redundancy

    Support for Mortgage Interest, lender forbearance and other UK options if you're struggling with your mortgage after losing your job.