oh been made redundant :(

[emlou83]

can anyone give me any advice??
oh got made redundant in december after 14 year with the same company. he came out with just under 5000, after paying off a few bills/car insurance etc we have £2000 left :(

what are we entitled to benefit wise?
i work 22 hours per week 6.80 per hour
3 dcs. dc1 is 10 and we get middle rate dla for him, i used to get carers but because im over the earning threshold we are still eligible but dont get now :(
i have been told its classed as an underlying entitlement???not sure what that means.
we are council tenants.
oh earned over the wtc allowance from april -dec :( so dont think we will qualify for free school meals etc....

any advice grealty appreciated :)

So sorry for OH's bad news.

There's a nifty benefit calculator, somewhere on directgov website. It's completely anonymous too, so you needn't worry about making mistakes.

Will go and have a look for it.

This one

thanks ..is it reliable?

it doesnt ask for any of oh previous income

Here's another benefit calculator. Complete with your current circumstances rather than last year's details. Tax Credits, for example, are based on the previous tax year but, if there's been a big change in circumstances (which there has been) then the award takes that into account.

When you get to the end of the questionnaire it will point you in the direction of where to make applications. Staff at your local Job Centre can help him further if necessary. Good luck.

Your OH can apply for the Carers Allowance in his name. The earnings threshold is £100pw but it applies to individuals, not households.

Let the tax credits know about the change in circumstances. Make sure they're aware that your dc1 gets MR DLA as that will increase his tax credits allowance. You might be able to get some housing benefit and council tax benefit, the benefits calculator will help you work it out.

If you can up your hours to 24 you would get working tax credits I think.

If he signs on then the first 6 months should be based on his national insurance contributions so your income doesn't matter plus he will be able to get help finding work. Get him to do it online.

thanks for links :)
oh wont be able to claim carers if he is on jsa contribution based as its an overlapping benefit :(
just really dont know how to manage with the drop in wages .

Sorry haven't been on for a day or two. Good luck, I don't think I can offer any more practical advice other than what you've already received.

thanks :) just really trying to cut down and be sensible .