unemployment benefit

[crunchiesmum]

If you are made redundant and have a mortgage can you claim some sort of housing benefit towrads the mortgage as well as job seekers allowance?

[Buenchico]

There are two types of JSA.

Assuming that your National Insurance contributions are up to date, the first 6 months of JSA is 'contribution-based'. That type of JSA isn't means-tested but it doesn't qualify for other benefits, help with mortgage interest payments.

Contribution-based JSA is paid for up to 6 months. After that you cease to be eligible for it but you can then be considered for income-based JSA. That type of JSA IS means-tested so if, for example, your partner is in employment you might not be eligible for it.

However, if you can get income-based JSA you then automatically become eligible for other benefits, such as free NHS subscriptions and (most importantly in respect of your question) SMI (Support for Mortgage Interest). It should be noted though that SMI is only payable for a maximum of two years:
http://www.direct.gov..._low_income/DG_180321

Chris

[Buenchico]

Oops, the words 'such as' seem to have gone missing in front of "help with mortgage interest payments". Sorry about that!

[themas]

There is a waiting period of 13 weeks before you can get help with housing costs. What you need to do is to claim the means tested JSA at the same time as the contributory JSA, and provide details of your housing costs. The waiting period should then start straight away and after the 13 weeks you can start getting the housing costs help, even if you are still on the contributory JSA.

But do remember that all means tested benefits include the means (income, savings etc,) of your partner if you have one in the assessment.