As you have a P45, this implies that you were full-time employed? This puts you in a much better situation with regard to the benefits you can claim and the amounts you will get (and it is not means tested). As tomred1 says, get down to the welfare today! You lose nothing by doing it. You have paid your stamp and are entitled to any benefits that accrue. If you find work even after a short time, all you have to do is tell the welfare that you are back in work, but you will ease the stress on yourself if you know what your entitlements are and how much income is likely to be coming in.