I'm a dole scrounger now

Luke · 8 Jan 2011 at 11:04

In December I was made redundant and today I got confirmation that my job seekers allowance claim has been approved.

It mentioned on the letter to use that letter as proof for other entitlements, mentioning prescriptions but not quite saying it was free now.

Can anyone point to some information letting me know what else I am entitled* to now that I'm not working?

I've never been unemployed before so don't know what else I might be able to get.

I don't want to loophole the system but unless I know otherwise I'll continue to pay for everything that I always have when I might be able to reduce my outgoings.

*this has always been a bugbear for me, hearing people talking about what they are 'entitled' to having never worked. Yes, I'm now a hypocrite!

Castiel · 8 Jan 2011 at 11:07

Get a Job you lazy git....

Seriously though, go down the CAB they will have people who can explain all your options and help you claim those benefits to which you are 'entitled'

Here are a couple of sites that may help.

http://www.turn2us.org.uk/benefits_search.aspx

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Diol1/DoItOnline/DoItOnlineByCategory/DG_172666

Simi · 8 Jan 2011 at 11:09

I believe dentists (well if you can find one that will do NHS) and prescriptions are 'free' (your tax and NI paid for this when you were working). I think that's it really, oh and rent and council tax is paid for.
Sorry to hear about the redundancy

Luke · 8 Jan 2011 at 11:09

Job hunting is how I'm spending most of my time!
I'm getting interviews and good responses from agencies so I don't think I'll be on JSA long, but I want to make use of some of my taxes paid over the last 17 years of continuous employment!

My wife works so no free rent or council tax unfortunately. (I'd rather she work to be honest!)

Cosimo · 8 Jan 2011 at 11:10

I wouldn’t have a clue myself and would be heading to the CAB for help.

Efour · 8 Jan 2011 at 11:20

Yep i imagine the CAB would have a pre prepared answer to this after you supply them a bit of info on your circumstances... in fact wont the job centre do the same??

Vidar · 8 Jan 2011 at 11:47

Luke depending on how much your wife earns you may still be entitlted to a reduction in the amount of council tax that you pay, as others have said NHS health care is now free.

Being a fellow "Doleite" I know your frustration I lost my Job due to ill health and then got shafted on to Job seekers after the briefest spell on the then Incapacity benefit! Hope you manage to find work soon though, Myself am trying to get myself re trained, go back to college and the like so that when my health does improve I'll have much better prospects!

utajoker · 8 Jan 2011 at 11:48

Get down the dentist while it's free!

Mr-White · 8 Jan 2011 at 12:01

Get your self some kids and you're laughing

MW

roddypoddy · 8 Jan 2011 at 12:03

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/family/benefits-check
Here you go mate,good luck for the future.

Redz · 8 Jan 2011 at 12:07

This site will give you an idea on what you may be entitled to

http://www.turn2us.org.uk/benefits_search.aspx

Viper² · 8 Jan 2011 at 12:10

With dentistry (and maybe prescriptions also), I believe it depends whether you are on income-based or contribution-based benefits. Not 100% on this though.

Buffman · 8 Jan 2011 at 12:16

Entitled to free abuse from OcUK GD

.

chriscubed · 8 Jan 2011 at 12:42

The Craig said:
Entitled to free abuse from OcUK GD .

Congrats! Let me start:

Why don't you get a job ? If you're so hungry, why don't you get a job?

Just kidding, good luck on finding a new job.

Luke · 8 Jan 2011 at 13:17

I'm surprised there hadn't been more abuse to be honest!

Thanks for the links, i'll look through those when I get home.

Psy-Blade · 8 Jan 2011 at 13:21

I've been jobless since Dec 3rd... and I haven't quite got around to applying for JSA... lazy me. I need to call them up to arrange an interview, hopefully it won't take a month like yours did though!

andrewdodd13 · 8 Jan 2011 at 13:28

Luke said:
I'm surprised there hadn't been more abuse to be honest!

Thanks for the links, i'll look through those when I get home.

Working 17 years and being made redundant != not working and skimming off the rest of society. I get that you're being lighthearted but don't think for a second you're one of those people.

In fact, you're the type of person I believe this support should be aimed at!

Xelene · 8 Jan 2011 at 14:05

Psy-Blade said:
I've been jobless since Dec 3rd... and I haven't quite got around to applying for JSA... lazy me. I need to call them up to arrange an interview, hopefully it won't take a month like yours did though!

You should do it ASAP, they cover your NI contributions - and you don't want a gap in that. I was made redundant on December 8th, applied on the 9th and go in to sign on for the first time proper on Tuesday. Already been in for the initial consultation, and buggering off to Cyprus on a whim for a bit of warmth + christmas held things up.

Deadbeat · 8 Jan 2011 at 14:12

sldsmkd said:
You should do it ASAP, they cover your NI contributions - and you don't want a gap in that. I was made redundant on December 8th, applied on the 9th and go in to sign on for the first time proper on Tuesday. Already been in for the initial consultation, and buggering off to Cyprus on a whim for a bit of warmth + christmas held things up.

You signed on and went to Cyprus? On a whim?

"andy" · 8 Jan 2011 at 14:13

Luke said:
Job hunting is how I'm spending most of my time!
I'm getting interviews and good responses from agencies so I don't think I'll be on JSA long, but I want to make use of some of my taxes paid over the last 17 years of continuous employment!

My wife works so no free rent or council tax unfortunately. (I'd rather she work to be honest!)

you should be able to get help with rent and you will get a council tax discount if shes the only person in the household with an income (essentially the same as if she was a single person living alone)