What can they claim?

HI and welcome,

It's extremely difficult to give information and benefit advice to a 3rd party but he's a quick guide. They both should really get face to face advice from an advice agency near them.

Person 1. It will depend on the reasons why they lost their job because they could be sanctioned for up to 26 weeks, which means they won't be able to claim any benefits, including Contributions based benefits.

If they have a limited capability for work then claiming New style ESA will depend on their NI Contributions in the tax years April 2017 to March 2019 and they will need a fit note from their GP.

If they are looking for work the it will be New style JSA if they've paid enough NI Contributions in the years stated above.

If they haven't paid enough NI Contributions then claiming UC will depend on their circumstances. Saving/capital and living with a partner that works. UC is a means tested benefit and if they live with a partner then they will need to claim as a couple. If they have a limited capability for work then they will need a fit note from their GP t start this process off when they claim. Any wages they maybe owed from their employer will affect any UC they are entitled to if they claim before they receive their final pay and will reduce their UC by 63%.

PIP will depend how their conditions affect their ability to carry out daily activity based on the PIP descriptors. It's not awarded based on a diagnosis. Evidence will be needed to support their claim and a face to face assessment is most likely. A successful claim could take several months or more.

Person 2. You say they wish to retire? If you mean early retirement then it will depend on their circumstances and reason for not looking for work. If they are state pension age and above then they should be claiming their state pension.

As advised, it's extremely difficult to give advice here and face to face advice is needed.

Hope this helps give you some idea.