in thinking that its not fair my friend gets more just cos she's a single mum?

[LuckySalem]

I know there's been a few of these but i'm a little peed off with the system.

My friend is getting loads of help whereas me and DP are having to struggle.

I mentioned to her the other day that we were struggling abit and how did she cope? She went onto explain that she's fine as she gets money from work (same amount as DP) gets CTC, Income Support, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit, Child Benefit. She reckoned her average annual income was around £22k a year. Plus whatever her DD's dad gave her which normally totalles about another £200 a month but she coldn't be exact

Now am I being unreasonable in thinking its unfair. She's only supporting her and her DD.

Me, DP and DD are told we can get no more cos we earn too much He earns £14'500 and we are apparently entitled to £75 CB and £100 CTC a month. So £16'600 altogether.

Am I missing something? Is there things we should be claiming that we're not or is this just normal?

Feel free to tell me to shut the hell up if I am being unreasonable.

Why does she get Income Support? Genuine question - thought that was for unemployed?

Are you eligible for council tax benefit?

Apply for WFTC,Housing Benefit,council Tax benefit

No - the jobcentre specifically says you can only get it if you work less then 16hrs a week or are a single mother on a low income.

So if she gets it that proves that DP is on a low income but cos he works more than 16hrs a week we don't qualify.

Hang on let me get a link.
look under income support

do you work?

do you rent?

www.entitledto.co.uk ( or .com can't remember)

check what you are entitled to.

Apparently I'm not eligable for council tax benefit cos we earn too much (we earn the same as her and she gets it)

I don't work, we have a mortgage (which is why she's getting HB and we aren't)

do youget these - should you~?

Is she getting Council Tax benefit or just the 25% discount as only one adult?

no idea but envy hurts badly and destroys friendships so you will end up choosing friend or cant stand thinking about it and give her up

\link{ WFTC calculator}

lets past it first wftc calculator

Oh, I'm not naggy with her. I'm naggy with the system. I am envious of her and the fact that she's just bought a brand new car while I struggle to get my shed through its MOT this year. But it'll never cause a problem in our friendship.

We get CTC Custardo and CB. I applied for WFTC but they haven't given it us, so I assume its cos we don't qualify. Haven't had the official letter yet.

She is raising a kid on her own, don't forget.

One thing's for certain. Unless she's declaring the £200 per month she gets from her ex, the CSA will go after him to reclaim the money she's receiving in benefits.

I feel sorry for the bloke. I bet she isn't declaring what he's giving her.

I don't know if she is declaring it tbh.

As for her raising her on her own. I know she will be having a tough time cos she's on her own but she is only paying for 2 people. We are paying for 3.

I'm ignoring the emotion part of it and just doing hard cash.

Jammi - Most definatly the system I'm peed off with, She's my friend from about 4years old so no way i'd take it out on her.

Custardo - I've done that calculator thingie and its worked out i'll get £90 for both so they must have included it already as thats about how much i'm getting now.

I need the letter to confirm exactly how they've split it really. I thought I would have had one by now.

I best warn her then...... Although i'm sure she would have told them everything

But you have the opportunity to earn 2 incomes?

the wftc tells me a different story - i can't cut and paste d paste but assuming a couple of things and going off the income yo gave - i get quite a substantial WFTC allowance for you

unless there is something i dont know you should be getting a otal tax credit of £172 per week based on twochildren

thats
Total tax credit £172.99
The above total consists of the following:
Current Years Income Child tax credit
£90.42
Current Years Income Working tax credit £82.56

based on a total income of 14,500