Income support?

[luckykitty]

I have just got off the phone to a lovely lady from somewhere about my claim for income support which has turned into one for housing benefit too - she has arranged an interview at the job centre for me tomorow - does anyone have any ideas how long it takes for them to give you an answer as to whether youre entitled to anything? Nice lady was a bit sketchy...

I only get SMP after the first 6wks maternity leave, which im already in the second week of and not due till start of Jan, and Im crapping myself that we are going to end up homeless, or very hungry.

Any advice greatly appreciated!

Ask when you go for the interview. Explain your financial circumstances and see if there's any help short-term they can offer you until the application is approved and you receive the payment. After the interview, keep telephoning the relevant people until the money actually appears. Be a bit pushy about it rather than waiting for something to happen. Good luck

thank you - starting to flap a bit about everything

It was an epic fail, went to interview only to be told before i'd even got my coat off that they can't help us with anything as my DP is only contracted to 20 hours a week as thats all there is, but is able to take overtime as and when its available so this would cancel out any help we could get, which is all very well and good but what are we supposed to do when there are no extra hours and therefore no extra income? Pants.

If you're on SMP your earnings alone will rule out IS anyway without 20 hours even if NMW.

You would get WTC credits though if low income.

Thankyou, why couldnt they tell me that on the phone?! grrrrr.

This is a bit confused.

Yes, you will not get IS, as your partner is working too many hours.

But, you may be entitled to Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit and Tax Credits.

Do you already have children? Has your new baby been born? Do you have childcare costs?

Put your details into entitledto.com and see what it comes up with.

Ive got a form for housing benefit which im just filling in now, this is our first child - due 4th jan, we have no childcare costs atm.
Thank you for all the advice, it seems like a total minefield!