The Dole...

I think there's a real stigmata about claiming benefits in this country.

Sometimes we're too worried about being classed as 'dole bludgers' to claim what's rightfully ours. At the end of the day, yes there will always be people who work the system and have probably never done an honest days work in their lives. But I'm guessing the vast majority of us aren't like that, and secretly we actually quite enjoy being part of the rat race and the monetary and social aspects associated with it.

With that in mind, and pending unemployment looming menacingly around the corner, I took a look into Jobseekers Allowance, I won't bore you with the facts, when this site says it better than I ever could...

http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk/jcp/Customers/WorkingAgeBenefits/Jobseekerallowance/index.html

But what I will say, is...this is what we pay our National Insurance for, so that when we find ourselves in a difficult situation we can get some financial assistance. Don't be too proud to take advantage of this if you do find yourself in genuine need. Fingers crossed I won't need to, but needless to say with bills to pay, pride is the least of my worries.

PS> No one likes a benefit cheat! If you know someone whose 'diddling' their benefits you can shop them in, visit http://www.dwp.gov.uk/campaigns/benefit-thieves/ for more details!