Benefits entitlement please help

[1994girl]

Hi there. So I'm due back off maternity leave in March this year. I don't claim benefits apart from child benefit. I will be going back to work part time around 16 hours per week. My partner works full time. I have read online and I'm not sure if I apply for universal credit or child tax credits. Please can someone help me, it's so confusing. I am really struggling halfing bills with my partner for my rent etc.

Have a look on here & see what your entitled to :)

www.entitledto.co.uk

Why are you halving bills when you are earning so much less? Does your partner not believe in paying for his child?

Why would you pay half if you earn so much less? You should have joint and equal access to money. Tax credits don't exist for new claims, you need to apply for UC but it's dependent on the income of both of you, how much does your dp earn?

It would be UC that you claim, however they look at your joint income and do not take into account your outgoings other than rent liability and child care costs. You need to address this with your DP because UC will not top up your shortfall if his earnings are too high.

Thank you, DP ears about £1500 a month. We have always halfed all rent/bills. I feel I should have been claiming months ago. I'm due to go back in March, but I don't know if I should apply when I start working part time or if I should do it now.

He does, we just halve all shopping, rent, council tax etc etc

Unless he’s going to be paying you childcare rates, plus pension and paid holiday/sock leave for the time you’re caring for his child rather than working 50/50 is extremely unfair.

He’s having his cake and eating it. You’ll end up skint and trapped while nothing changes for him.

Yes what @OnceAgainWithFeeling said how can you pay half what will you earn on 16 hours, is your rent high and will you have child care costs?

Do you think UC will top up your 16 hours to match your DP's wage?

Thank you I'll speak to him tonight.

Still claim it now as you will likely get a top up for rent but don't expect it to compensate for your loss of earnings, you can claim child care costs when you return to work, but you must pay them up front.

Your DP is going to have to take a hit on his income too and share the costs.

This!

when I went back to work part time after my 2 kids I was still expected to contribute as the higher earner (formerly)

Cue a load of debt and subsequent separation.

The Martin Lewis Site also has a user friendly benefits check page. www.moneysavingexpert.com/family/benefits-check/

You can claim Universal credit as long as you don't have savings over 16k. It will need to be a joint claim. Ultimately it will depend on joint earnings, but it sounds like you would qualify for some help if you have rent to pay.

Great marriage, not 😢

Apply now because they won't back date it. Check on turn2us to see what else you might be entitles to as well.

You are probably entitled to a bit of help off UC, but it will be a joint claim. Meaning half of the money awarded will be for him, making you no better off if your paying half the bills.

It is only paid into one bank account though so op should select hers on the application and keep the lot !

If you claim, be aware that he will also have to attend an initial interview at the job centre.

I like your thinking @Babyroobs this made me smile.

Though the DP needs to step up too.

Even if I'm working part time?