Redundancy support hub: what to do, what you may claim

• Get everything in writing: redundancy letter, notice period, final pay date, redundancy pay estimate.
• Save your P45, last payslips and tenancy or mortgage paperwork — you'll need them.
• Start a Universal Credit claim on GOV.UK on the day your job ends, even if you have redundancy pay. The claim runs from the day you submit it.
• Tell your mortgage lender or landlord early if you may struggle. Most have hardship processes that are easier to access before arrears build up.

Most people made redundant in the UK look at two routes: Universal Credit (means-tested) and New Style Jobseeker's Allowance (based on your National Insurance record). They can be claimed together.

• Universal Credit — main working-age benefit. Helps with day-to-day costs, rent and children.
• New Style JSA — up to 182 days if you have enough NI contributions. Not means-tested.
• Council Tax Reduction — apply through your local council.
• Discretionary Housing Payment — if your rent is above the housing element.
• Help from your energy supplier or local welfare assistance scheme.

Statutory and most contractual redundancy pay is treated as capital (savings), not income. Pay in lieu of notice and holiday pay usually count as earnings in the month they're paid, which can reduce UC for that month.

• Under £6,000 savings: no impact on UC.
• £6,000 to £16,000: UC reduced by £4.35/month for each £250 (or part) above £6,000.
• Over £16,000: UC usually stops, but New Style JSA isn't affected by savings.

Renters can get the UC housing element, capped at the Local Housing Allowance rate. Homeowners can apply for Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI) — a government loan against your property that covers interest only, after a 3-month qualifying period.

Don't spend your redundancy pay down to qualify for UC — the DWP can treat money you spend deliberately as if you still have it. Use it for normal living costs and essential bills.

Once your employment ends, Statutory Sick Pay stops. You may instead qualify for New Style ESA (based on NI contributions) and the UC limited capability for work element after assessment.

Job loss can be one of life's hardest events. Take it seriously. Talk to your GP if it's affecting your sleep, mood or daily life. Free emotional support is available from Samaritans (116 123), Mind, and the Mental Health Foundation.

• You're entitled to statutory redundancy pay if you've worked for the employer for 2+ years.
• Your notice period is the longer of your contractual notice or the statutory minimum (1 week per year of service, up to 12).
• You have the right to a written statement showing how your redundancy pay was calculated.
• You can challenge selection if you believe it was unfair or discriminatory.

• Open a Universal Credit claim on GOV.UK.
• Cancel non-essential subscriptions and direct debits.
• Tell your mortgage lender or landlord and ask about hardship support.
• List all incoming money and essential outgoings.
• Save P45, payslips, redundancy letter and bank statements.

• Apply for Council Tax Reduction via your local council.
• Check your Personal Tax Account on GOV.UK for any refund.
• Speak to Citizens Advice for a full benefit check.
• Register with the National Careers Service if job-seeking.
• Review insurance policies (income protection, mortgage payment protection) for cover you may have forgotten.