Student, Leaving Work Voluntarily, Benefits?

Hello everyone,

I worked over the summer after finishing the college year in June to build up some money for the following years study. I recently finished work (3wks ago) with the intention of going back to college. However I have now decided to take some time off and I am currently unemployed.

What benefits are available? Can I claim unemployment benefits? I have recieved a P45 from my summer employer? I is standard for SW to contact the former employer when a claim is lodged for benefits?

I have also paid quite a lot of tax over the summer, is it possible to claim that back now or will I have to wait until the end of the financial year?

Any help appreciated.

If you are available for work and have not registered as a student, you can sign on for jobseeker's allowance or benefit. However you may be disallowed for a period of time because you left work voluntarily. A decision on your case can't be made until you actually make the application, so you should do it sooner rather than later.