Step-by-step workflow
What to do after redundancy
A calm, ordered roadmap of the nine things that matter most in the first month after losing your job. Tick items as you complete them — your progress is saved in your browser only.
Step 1
Understand your redundancy pay
Check what's statutory, what's contractual, and what's PILON or holiday pay. They're taxed and treated differently.
- • Read your redundancy letter and pay calculation
- • Identify statutory redundancy (capital) vs notice pay (earnings)
- • Check holiday pay and any bonuses
Step 2
Check your savings position
Add up every account, ISA and Premium Bond — yours and your partner's. The £6k and £16k limits matter.
- • List all current accounts, savings, ISAs, Premium Bonds
- • Include partner's savings if you're a couple
- • Note the date of any inheritance or lump sum
Step 3
Estimate Universal Credit eligibility
Take the free 15-question check for an indicative view across UC and other support.
- • Have rent/mortgage and childcare costs to hand
- • Have approximate savings totals ready
- • Allow about 5 minutes
Step 4
Understand assessment periods and waiting times
UC is paid monthly in arrears. Your first payment is normally about five weeks after claiming. Time your claim carefully.
- • Avoid claiming the same month a large final salary lands, if possible
- • Consider whether to request an advance payment
- • Use the simulator to see how PILON and redundancy pay fall
Step 5
Apply for Council Tax Reduction
Council Tax Reduction is run by your local council, not DWP. It's a separate claim and often missed.
- • Find your council's Council Tax Reduction form online
- • Apply as soon as you know your income has dropped
- • Ask about Discretionary Housing Payment if rent is high
Step 6
Check your housing support
If you rent, UC normally includes a housing element. If you own, you may qualify for Support for Mortgage Interest after a waiting period.
- • Tell your landlord or lender early if you may struggle
- • Gather tenancy agreement or mortgage statement
- • Ask DWP about Support for Mortgage Interest (loan, not grant)
Step 7
Check NHS and other practical support
On a low income you may qualify for help with prescriptions, dental costs and school meals. Worth doing in week one.
- • Apply for an NHS Low Income Scheme HC1 form
- • Check free school meals eligibility
- • Look at local food bank and welfare assistance schemes
Step 8
Prepare your documents
Having these to hand makes any UC, Council Tax or advice appointment much faster.
- • P45 from your final employer
- • Last 3 payslips
- • Redundancy letter and pay calculation
- • Latest bank statements (all accounts)
- • Tenancy agreement or mortgage statement
- • Childcare costs if applicable
Step 9
Create your action timeline
Plot key dates: redundancy date, final salary, redundancy pay, UC claim date, first payment.
- • Build a personal timeline
- • Print it and tick off items each week
- • Book a free Citizens Advice appointment for a full official check
Not sure where to start?
The free 15-question benefit check gives you an indicative view in about five minutes.
Start your benefit check