Question:
Hi there everyone...
I'm having a few problems that i could do with a bit of advice on...
The bad news is me and my partner of 8 years have just split up and i am about to make a claim for housing benefit, council tax benefit and living money for me and my 13 month old son.
What exactly am i entitled to and does anyone know roughly how much as i'm unsure wether i should cancel my internet connection etc etc.
I claimed benefits before when i was around 18 and i know the wait to get the money is quite long but i also know how stressful it can be and i am in no state of mind at the moment to be arguing over entitlements etc so i would like to be prepared before i go in. I have made a telephone appointment so far which is the first step.
I have been to the directgov site and can assertain that i am entitled but not sure to what and how much.
Any info or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Answers:
Hi, sorry to hear of your breakup, welcome to my world!!
Ive just been through all this and at first is very stressful and confusing but it does get easier.
I dont know if you have already done this but if you phone 08456004258 they will do all your forms over the phone and tell you what youre entitled to. I did this for income support. They are very slow though (ive found) so I went straight to the council offices to claim housing benefit and council tax benefit they have sorted this for me within a week, my council had no backlog, theyre not paying me enough but its a start
You can also claim child tax credits 08453003900 if you dont work or are working under 16 hours (if you work over 16 you can claim WTC as well)
Good luck x
Answers:
Great tip re housing - i would have left it up to the benefits office to sort out and that was the main part i was worrying about as i've been told it could take up to 2 months to get sorted which i'm not sure my landlord would be at all happy about.
Answers:
Great tip re housing - i would have left it up to the benefits office to sort out and that was the main part i was worrying about as i've been told it could take up to 2 months to get sorted which i'm not sure my landlord would be at all happy about.
maybe have a chat with your landlord and keep him in the picture and he might be ok about it, mine took 2 days of 8 weeks to be sorted so it does take a while :_
Answers:
Have you also had a look at the website? Just put your details in and it is able to give you a rough idea of what you are entitled to.
It may also be worth getting advice from your local Citizens Advice Bureau or Welfare Rights Service who can advise on benefits entitlements and help with applying sometimes
Answers:
Have you also had a look at the website? Just put your details in and it is able to give you a rough idea of what you are entitled to.
It may also be worth getting advice from your local Citizens Advice Bureau or Welfare Rights Service who can advise on benefits entitlements and help with applying sometimes
FANTASTIC!!!
This site is exactly the sort of thing i need to give me a rough idea - many thanks
Answers:
Right, i've sort of gone through the site and know what i am entitled to in practise but what about child maintenence? My partner would contribute a bit but he will have his own rent etc to pay now. I've heard they can take it straight out of thier wages but do they and does it go to them or me and if it does how does that affect my benefits?
Answers:
When you are on some benefits I think you have to go through the CSA for maintenance or something - someone will be along soon that knows more - and then you only get about £10 of whatever your ex pays you.
Are you working at all? Are you on speaking terms with the ex?
You could maybe try ringing the Benefits Enquiry Line (0800 882200)to see if they can offer any advice - though the CAB or Welfare Rights may be as good
Good Luck!