Benefit advice needed please

k1mmie

Here is the situation:

Hubby was self employed in the last year, but had no work since November. I have not worked recently as hubby had a good wage. We have been living off all our savings and this will run out in the next month (maximum). Have a huge mortgage to pay which will take over half of what is left for this month.

As hubby was self employed no accounts done yet so no NI details. Have 2 children aged 15 and 13. Also a daughter of 19 who has just started a job in London but does not earn a huge wage and has fares to pay - so does not leave that much over.


Hubby is interviewing for some permanent jobs and I don't forsee (or hope) this to be a long term problem but who knows at the moment.

So my question is: Would we be able to sign on for JSA ?- we are both looking for work now. Would they take my daughters salary into account - even though she doesn;t spend that much time living here (at friends)?

Any advice appreciated - thank you.

Unstoppable_2

If your hubby is still registered as self employed, he won't be able to. Daughters salary is taken into account for council tax benefits. Depending on his income, you may be able to get tax credits.

There is however no miracle solution that's going to get you enough money. If I were you, I'd start talking to your mortgage company.

I guess you're now finding out why it's not a good idea to spend the invoices as they arrive.

von

I would advise you claim Child Tax Credits, if you haven't already done so. Your partner should also claim Jobseekers Allowance if he is available and actively looking for work. Your daughter's income will not be taken into account with regards JSA - I hope the attached link helps:
http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk/JCP/Customers/WorkingAgeBenefits/Dev_015272.xml.html

sleepless_saver

You should apply for council tax benefit as well.

Applying for JSA is a priority , they won't backdate. Depending on the contribution record this would be income based which would entitle you to help with the mortgage interest, or contribution based which seems less likely from what you say.

bestpud

Definitely look into tax credits. If you are already getting them, then you should be able to have them increased.

Reading the above posts, can he claim JSA if still self-employed?

healy

bestpud wrote: »

Definitely look into tax credits. If you are already getting them, then you should be able to have them increased.

Reading the above posts, can he claim JSA if still self-employed?

He may be able to claim Income based JSA but not contribution based JSA if he has not paid employed class 1 conts in recent years.

k1mmie

Thanks guys for all your advice.

I went on a site recommended from here which said that we probably would not be entitled to Tax credits. I suppose this is due to high earnings in the last tax year.

However, even if we could get JSA this would at least just keep us going, for food and fares for kids to school. Not sure which kind of JSA we could get, but he paid a lot of tax in the 2007/2008 year as he was permanently employed for 9 months of this period.

Would they ask me to declare daughters salary? Would I say she lives here (from a council tax point of view is about it - never physically here. lol)

Would hubby have to claim JSA or could either of us do it or is it a joint claim? Hubby not keen on signing on and although I feel the same, I don't want to be in a position where it is left too late and we have nothing left. Can you apply online first or do you have to do it all face to face. (Think it's the idea of having to go there putting him off).

Nigella_2

As seeking work - best ring up JobCentrePlus sharpish to claim JSA. Best to ask to claim Income Based JSA as well. Any claim to JSA looks at your NI contributions anyway. You can claim mortgage Interest after a waiting period.

JSA backdating is strict BUT you could ask.

Your claim may be more complex as you were Self Employed BUT don't let that put you off.

You will have to claim Child Tax credits for your 15 / 13 year old.

They may take a little of your daughters income into account as they will assume she gives you a bit.

Nigella_2

Most people ring up JCP Call 0800 055 6688 (8am - 6pm Monday to Friday) and either the claim is taken over the phone there and then or you are called back.

You will be sent the printed claim forms to sign and take these along to a New JSA claim adviser appt.

You should be asked about Council Tax / Housing Benefit etc. You will receive these forms (as relevant) too.

bestpud

healy wrote: »

He may be able to claim Income based JSA but not contribution based JSA if he has not paid employed class 1 conts in recent years.

Yes, sorry, I wasn't very clear.

I realise he may not have enough contributions but I was wondering about him still being self-employed iyswim?

As in, he is still in employment, technically (as he has his business), but not earning anything?

I don't know - perhaps it is different for self-employed people, but an employed person could not sign on if still employed.

Can a self-employed person sign on without officially closing their business, or whatever?

healy

bestpud wrote: »

Yes, sorry, I wasn't very clear.

I realise he may not have enough contributions but I was wondering about him still being self-employed iyswim?

As in, he is still in employment, technically (as he has his business), but not earning anything?

I don't know - perhaps it is different for self-employed people, but an employed person could not sign on if still employed.

Can a self-employed person sign on without officially closing their business, or whatever?

I am not sure what happens in this case, uk dickie seems to be the expert on JSA claims, maybe he will see the thread.