Can I claim income protection because I've lost my job?
No. Income protection pays if illness or injury stops you working, not if you lose your job through redundancy. Some separate policies, sometimes called unemployment or payment protection cover, may help with job loss. If you lose your job, check whether your existing cover continues and whether you can still afford the premiums.
If you are ill and lose your job
If you were already unable to work because of illness before losing your job, contact your insurer, as you may still be able to claim.
Keeping your cover
Personal income protection usually continues if you change job, as long as premiums are paid. Benefit may depend on your earnings when you claim.
Employer cover
Group income protection provided by an employer normally ends when you leave.
This article is general information about UK protection insurance, not personalised financial advice. Policy terms vary between insurers and products, so always check your own policy documents.
Last updated 27 October 2026