What constitutes a "Low Income"?

[lucyec]

Hi All... I'm facing imminent unemployment and am trying to find out what benefits I'm entitled to claim, how much they will be etc in order to budget for the future.

All I seem to see is statements like "if you are on a low income, you may be able to claim xxx benefit".

So I just wondered if anyone knew what a "low income" actually is these days?

Hope someone can help!

Thanks x

Try Direct. gov www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/index.htm

It will give you the basics. Speaking very very generally, if you are fit and able to work and are single no kids /have a partner (with/wothout kids) - you will probably claim JSA.

If you are ill - then ESA

If a LP - Income Suport

Thanks Blue - have already endlessly scanned DWP sites! Can't seem to find an exact figure.

Incidentally, I am pregnant (29 weeks when finish work), have a partner but we live separately (all finances separate), have 1 DD (7yo) and will be receiving SMP when I finish work - so guess this counts as income. Just wondered if I could claim housing/council tax benefit or anything else.

Thanks Riven. I didn't know that you could claim HB / CTB when working! Although I'm a bit over that threshold now, but could have done with it in the past. Oh well.

I hope I'm entitled to something - my SMP on its own falls short of covering my rent, let alone any other bills.

I just thought it'd be useful to know what I should be asking for before I put myself in the hands of DWP / Job Centre as they always seem to give conflicting information.