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Original poster

Am I entitled to benefits?

44 replies

Mercier1 · 22/09/2019 22:43

I’m currently on mat leave from my job which is 3 days per week I earn 25k. I have 2 kids. I am at the point where my mat leave payment is zero. My husband has been off sick and is about to go to statutory sick pay. I’m pretty distressed about money. Im going back into work tomorrow to plan my return but on the meantime are we entitled to any help?? Even back at work my income won’t cover us. Have tried using benefit calculators but find them confusing because of our circumstance.

OP posts:
Babyroobs · 22/09/2019 23:49

You would need to claim Universal credit to receive any help, this will top up your wage whilst your income is reduced. It takes approximately 5 weeks for the first payment but once you have gone through ID checks you may be able to apply for an advance payment. the amount of help you get depends on whether you pay rent/ how many children you have/ your age and earnings etc.

Gingerkittykat · 23/09/2019 00:01

Universal credit is calculated monthly based on an assessment period, say the 1st of one month to the 1st of the next. It wouldn't matter that you earned £25k last year, if your income was very low one month you would get topped up.

Based on him getting SSP and you would definitely get UC.

If you go to CAB they will be able to do an exact calculation for you.

Original poster
Mercier1 · 23/09/2019 05:17

Thank you. I’ll got to CAB today. Everything I am reading we seem to be screwed ... like I work 21 hours and apparently you need to work 24 for get working tax credits? We have a mortgage which is big. My salary will cover our bills I think but not much else. We did take out income protection on him but it doesn’t seem to cover depression unless diagnosed by a psychiatrist which we are waiting to see.

OP posts:
Nixen · 23/09/2019 05:33

You’re going to have to find a full time job while your husband looks after the children

Original poster
Mercier1 · 23/09/2019 05:52

@niken I have tried to get more hours at work, I’ll keep trying. I can’t quit my professional career though. Any FT job I can get would pay less than the 25k I’ll be on when I get back to work.

OP posts:
Amber2019 · 23/09/2019 05:56

Yes you will be entitled to some uc. I wouldn't think you need to go to cab, if you go online you can both make a uc application, you will both be given an appointment at your nearest job centre to go in and verify your id. Your first payment will be 5 weeks to the day you apply. Tax credits no longer take new claims.

Original poster
Mercier1 · 23/09/2019 06:11

I think it’s a bit complicated because I’m on maternity leave so I prob need to discuss with CAB as I find the whole thing really confusing.

OP posts:
SunnySw1myah · 23/09/2019 13:49

Why don't you just apply for UC via www.gov.uk
It's not back dated

If your DH is not working, can he look after child & you go back to work ?

If you have a mortgage, you won't receive housing benefit. But I think, you may be able to get a Government loan

LIZS · 23/09/2019 13:54

If he is long term sick then could he claim esa?

Original poster
Mercier1 · 23/09/2019 14:19

I am Going back to work but that’s 25k and I don’t think that’s enough for the four of us to live in which I guess is what I need to find out.

OP posts:
Original poster
Mercier1 · 23/09/2019 14:19

What’s ESA?

OP posts:
timshelthechoice · 23/09/2019 14:22

There are no more tax credits. All new claims are UC. All of it, even ESA element excepting PIP for adults with disabilities/illness. You don't apply for ESA you apply for UC.

squeakybike · 23/09/2019 14:24

I'm pretty sure you won't be entitled to any benefits as you own your house.

timshelthechoice · 23/09/2019 14:24

You might get some help with childcare via UC, but realistically you won't get much in the way of benefits. He's going to have to get some work or you will need to up your hours. Unfortunately the system isn't set up to allow for much depression these days.

Kerry197878 · 23/09/2019 14:26

Before you claim UC check if you or partner are eligible for any contribution based benefits such as JSA or new style ESA given the fact you have worked .. check for possible council tax reduction .. you. Clan claim UC to cover rent costs however if you are getting CRC and WTC his will stop and will come under the UC umbrella ...

MyDcAreMarvel · 23/09/2019 14:26

Op if you currently claim child tax credits, then you can claim wtc working 16 hours if your dh claim new style esa ( contribution based) or pip.

MyDcAreMarvel · 23/09/2019 14:27

I'm pretty sure you won't be entitled to any benefits as you own your house.
What a load of nonsense!

MyDcAreMarvel · 23/09/2019 14:28

You don't apply for ESA you apply for UC.
No , for contributions based ESA you do not apply for UC.

squeakybike · 23/09/2019 14:32

@MyDcAreMarvel how is it a load of nonsense? It's classed as an investment.

flirtygirl · 23/09/2019 14:51

It's a load of nonsense as yes, you cannot get help to pay the mortgage like you would get UC to help pay the rent. But you can claim for a low income even if you own your own home.

They look at your income and childcare if relevant when calculating UC. They would also look at age of children, and any disabilities as each section is given a value. Very complicated but the basic rules are on the Internet.

So squeakybike do not post nonsense unless you are sure as you are just giving out misinformation.

MyDcAreMarvel · 23/09/2019 14:51

Because benefits relating to living expenses are not linked to home ownership. Obviously housing costs would not be paid.
A home that you live in is ignored for benefit purposes even if it was worth eg four million with no mortgage.

squeakybike · 23/09/2019 15:02

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Crocky · 23/09/2019 15:09

Squeakybike you are wrong and very rude!

MrsMaiselsMuff · 23/09/2019 15:12

@squeakybike Who are you telling to fuck off and why?

Kerry197878 · 23/09/2019 15:17

I would seek proper advice re benefits or do a calculation online .. entitled 2 or turn 2 is have benefit calculators, but heck for topi and hubby for contribution based benefits in the first instance , more so for husband once his ssp runs out he can claim new style esa he just needs to get a sick hotel form GP to support his initial claim , also look at claiming PIP .. yes medical evidence is important as is a diagnosis but it's how the condition affects him day to day ... ...