Urgent advice needed

dmg24

Have you actually sat down with someone at the Jobcentre to go through everything? I think this would be a good idea.

hayleyjl

dmg24 wrote: »

Have you actually sat down with someone at the Jobcentre to go through everything? I think this would be a good idea.

I did try to get an appointment several months ago but was told that they don't offer appointments to discuss benefit problems.
I have also tried to get appointments to resolve matters direct, with Income Support and Council Tax, but had no success.
It is years since I claimed these benefits and it seems the system has changed significantly.

Gillianh2

I dont know if the same service is available in your area, but my nephew who was in a similar position, made an appt at the local Job Centre with a "Lone Parent Advisor" she has helped him sort out his wtc and ctc and also helped him complete a new business course.
I would give the job centre a call and ask if you make an appt; with a Lone Parent Advisor.

HTH

dmg24

Gillianh2 wrote: »

I dont know if the same service is available in your area, but my nephew who was in a similar position, made an appt at the local Job Centre with a "Lone Parent Advisor" she has helped him sort out his wtc and ctc and also helped him complete a new business course.
I would give the job centre a call and ask if you make an appt; with a Lone Parent Advisor.

HTH

I agree with this. Don't make an appointment to discuss your problems claiming benefits, make the appointment to check your entitlement now. This will get you a point of contact and back into the system, and then you can bring up the issue of backdating claims, or sorting out any overpayment.

healy

hayleyjl wrote: »

I am hoping they can, do you know of any other organisation other than citizens advice (as mentioned in my reply to dmg24, their service in my area is limited)

Your local Council may have Welfare Rights Officers who could help you or there may DIAL in your area.

hayleyjl

Thanks for all the ideas that are being posted, I will try them all...........I have just spoken to Income support who have said that they are considering making me a compensation payment for the period 28th August to 26th March, I don't know why they would do this if I wasn't entitled?
They have also said they will get someone to call me back today to discuss my situation/ claim in more detail.

hayleyjl

I have just found the contact details for Welfare Rights in my area, thanks for that.

dmg24

hayleyjl wrote: »

Thanks for all the ideas that are being posted, I will try them all...........I have just spoken to Income support who have said that they are considering making me a compensation payment for the period 28th August to 26th March, I don't know why they would do this if I wasn't entitled?
They have also said they will get someone to call me back today to discuss my situation/ claim in more detail.

If they do, then you will be expected to pay back the WTC. How much WTC were you getting?

If someone is calling you back that is definitely a positive step.

hayleyjl

Approx £79 per week. Income support are saying that I was entitled to claim WTC up to 1st April, I think the compensation payment may be to do with the amount of time it has taken them to finalise my claim.
It is definately the most positive step yet.............I am holding out the hope that I might now get the advice and assistance that I have been asking for from the benefit departments for months.

joejoe_4

i was in a very similar situation at about the same time as you.
in my case i was suddenly struck down with illness,going into my 2nd year of self emplyment,9 months later i was diagnosed with alife changing illness.
during this time i had not made any claim for any benefits.
anyway the point i want to make that may be of help to you,
whilst in work you have 5 years to bring ni contributions upto date.
when you make a claim for benefit this is reduced to 2 years from the starting date of your self employment.
but your claim for benefit ie incapacity, will only be paid from the date ni contributions are brought up to date.
this was advice i recieved from my accountant,i am now recieving all benefits.
national insurance contributions, is a seperate department to benefit agencies. these various departments do not always tell you what or how you should claim.
research,research
best of luck.