Leaving a job with no job to go to..

It would seem that the OP has, perhaps, shot herself in the foot.
I’m another surprised at leaving a job, without the promise of another. Despite citing MH problems in a later post, it would seem the main reason is actually being unable to get to the current job.
Hopefully with better weather in view, the OP will get some sort of work, even just to tide her over until something comes along.

www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/employment-and-support-allowance/help-with-your-esa-claim/check-if-you-can-claim-esa/

www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/help-if-on-a-low-income/jobseekers-allowance-jsa/

www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/benefits-introduction/what-benefits-can-i-get/

www.citizensadvice.org.uk/work/dismissal/check-your-rights-if-youre-dismissed/dismissal/claiming-constructive-dismissal/

Hope this helps

I am sorry that your job was causing such distress cassy that needed to leave. But you are right to prioritise your mental health. Please go to Citizens' Advice and get help from them. They will be able to tell you how to proceed. Good luck in finding another job.

Depends on the circumstances. Someone could have been job hunting without success for some time until the MH cndition got so bad they could take no more.

If the mental health condition was caused by the work climate, she could have a claim for Constructive Dismissal.

he main thing is that she has seen a doctor and if she was a union member consult ed her union.

I really don’t believe that someone capable of work should receive benefits if they decide to leave their job without finding another one first.

You have to apply online for benefits. Here's a link to claim JSA allowance, if you don't meet the criteria it will tell you what your options are. Claim ASAP, you do not have to wait until you have left work - that'll just delay any claim.

www.gov.uk/jobseekers-allowance/apply-new-style-jsa

I think a gp can backdate a certificate, and the first week off can be self certified.

If you've not given your notice, I wouldn't if I was you.

May be too late though, reading your post.

GSM just what I was going to say
I would never leave a job without having something else waiting in the wings it’s just too risky

Why didn’t you find another job before you gave in your notice?

You need a good reason....so stress would likely count...but may need a gp letter...so make sure its documented on your gp record... you would be assigned a work coach and expected to actively seek work....unless you intend getting an ongoing sicknnote...then apply for esa

True, but the circumstances are a bit different here maybe?

I couldnt stay, my MH was suffering and the travelling was too much

I know that years ago if you deliberately left a job you didn't qualify for anything for 6 weeks or thereabouts. If you got the sack or were made redundant you qualified as soon as your claim was processed.

If you have paid full N I for the last two years approx you should be able to get New Style Job Seekers Allowance.
If you have rent to pay and less than £6000 in savings you may be entitled to Universal Credit which can include a Housing Allowance.
You might get a reduction in Council Tax through your local authority.
If you qualify for certain benefits they may open the door to other help eg with energy costs, access to the Household Support fund etc
Go on turn2us and put in your details to see what you might get. Household income is taken into account for means-tested benefits. For UC there is a four week delay in getting any money but you can have an advance though it will be deducted later.
There are also conditions to fulfil eg to show you are looking for work. If you default there will be sanctions ie deductions
Hope this helps.