Depends how much you were paid out. It might have changed but anything 6k and under in the bank doesn't have to be declared. Over 6 goes on a sliding scale. Over 16k and you can't claim anything.
Purely out of curiosity, is it purely related to the redundancy payoff or is that a limit for any money owned/saved at the time of trying to claim dole ? Is it £16k in a current account at your bank, or £16k in total savings anywhere ? (Or even £16k in possessions ?)
JSA is not means tested..however if the redundancy payment included any payments in lieu of notice then you cant sign on until the end of the notice period....I think?
Contributions based JSA is not means tested and is paid for 26 weeks, as long as you have paid enough NI contributions in the qualifying period.
After this, income based JSA would apply which IS means tested. Any savings over £16,000 or a partner who earns a reasonable wage will prevent you from getting this.