Benefits question

[Sasquatch75]

I've only recently become a single parent and have applied for income support and tax credits... how long do these normally take to sort out? Also, the calculator said I MAY BE entitled to housing benefit? How does that work? I have a mortgage and DHs name is obviously still on it. Does that make a difference? I'm a SAHM and my youngest is 2 years old.

One more question... the calculators online... do they include child benefit? I know they ignore any child maintenance you might get, but what about child benefit?

Thanks :)

I think if you have a mortgage you can't get housing benefit but you can get help to pay the interest.

You wouldn't be able to claim child tax credits or income support (qualifying because of your 2yo) if you didn't have children so I presume getting child benefit isn't a problem.

Look at Citizens Advice or Shelter I think for the proper low down.

Only took a week or two for mine to start coming through but never count on that!

I got my tax credits through in about a fortnight, not the correct amount but a stop gap amount before the full assessment was done and income support was only a couple of weeks once the forms were in.

child benefit doesn't reduce other benefits if that's what you mean but it does prove your eligibility for some benefits so you need to tell them you receive it.

You can't get Housing benefit but you can get mortgage interest help which currently pays at a rate of 3.63% of mortgage balance. you have to wait 13 weeks for it, and longer if you don't chase the forms, but I got it even though ex's name is still on the mortgage.

There is lots of paperwork to do and the first few weeks are a pain sorting it out but it won't take too long really.

To access the help with mortgage interest you need to speak to Job Centre Plus.
You may also be entitled to Council Tax Reduction, to apply for this, speak to your Local Authority Benefit Department.

Thanks, yes that's what I mean about child benefit freemanbatch. That's good to know as when I did the calculator I got a bit worried! And thanks for info about housing benefit.

I phoned the council about single residency discount for council tax, and then filled in an online form which mentioned housing benefit and other things.

Oooh, another question... What about the nhs exemption certificate? I've got a dentist appt in 3 weeks time.

Once my single parent tax credit claim was assessed I got my NHS exemption certificate through within a week I think and a form to claim healthy start vouchers for my kids who were under 4.

Glad you're getting some things sorted

Hi....the mortgage interest allowance....is this just for those on income support? I receive tax credits....my ex is still on mortgage too.....

income support and job seekers allowance as far as I know, its one of the benefits that make no sense at all as far as I can see! its far more cost effective than housing benefit but they pay it to hardly anyone forcing them to sell up and rent at twice the cost!

Thanks for reply...Id never heard of it before....

They expect you to sell up and spend the equity on rent. Whilst you have any sort of large amount in the bank they won't pay you HB. They will sometimes pay HB on another property as long as your owned property is up for sale. But even then only for 6 months.

That's daft though - spending the equity on rent is the same as spending it on the mortgage surely?! I know which I'd rather do. Will have to see what the figures look like when things get sorted :/