what benefits can i claim?

[somanymiles]

Hi,

Just returned from living in Canada for 10 years. I am looking for work, but nothing yet. I am married, my husband is working and earns about £39,000 before tax. We have 3 children aged 2, 11 and 14. Not sure what benefits, if any, I can claim. I have just sent of an application for child benefit. Can I claim contribution-based JSA? I did work in the UK for many years before we went to Canada. Anything else I am missing?

Thanks for your help!

Hi
You can't claim jsa if your husband is working, contributions based is only for those who paid NI in the past two years. I suspect child benefit is your lot.

Dh earns slightly less than that and Child Benefit is all we get.

I don't think you would be eligible for JSA . The threshold for tax credits with 3 children is around £38 K so it may be worth applying but you would get very little. If you get a job and are paying out for childcare you may well get some help with those costs through the tax credit system.