Benefit Advice

Zebra

DX2 wrote: »

Zebra she should be entitled to child tax credits, she will not get working tax credits if she doesn't work.

Thanks DX2, she hasn't been able to work for a few years now, but along with Employment Support Allowance, Child Tax Credit (or ESA and CTC as us regulars call them ) is on my list of benefits to apply for on her behalf.

Fran wrote: »

Some CABx do home visits so this is worth checking friend's local one.

Thanks Fran - I didn't know that. I'll try out the results from the "Entitled to" website first and then maybe give them a call to see if there's anything else.



Ps. Apologies to anybody else who took what I meant earlier as a light-hearted aside at the complexity of the benefits system, as an attack on either the government or any other organisation. I'm really very grateful to all those who have posted helpful responses.

Zebra

Does anyone know how I can get an application form for Tax Credits?

Twice I rang the helpline up, and on both occasions they were very helpful and efficient, I went through all the bits and pieces and they said they would send us a form through the post.

I rang them up again today to chase it up, and was told that I couldn't apply for an application form for anybody else, and that my friend would have to speak to them personally. I tried to explain the situation about her disability but they just insisted that rules are rules and that they wouldn't send an application form out unless they'd spoken to her first.

I didn't want to apply over the phone but just request an application form to be sent out.

seven-day-weekend

Could you write them a letter for your friend to sign if she is not able to speak to them?

Zebra

No they said it had to be done over the phone.

But I think it will be ok - I've got another friend with a wig and a false nose, she's great at disguises.

seven-day-weekend

Zebra wrote: »

No they said it had to be done over the phone.

But I think it will be ok - I've got another friend with a wig and a false nose, she's great at disguises.

But some people can't talk on the phone.....

Zebra

seven-day-weekend wrote: »

But some people can't talk on the phone.....

ssssshhhhhhh - the tax office doesn't know that

timmmers

You could do well to give Welfare benefits rights a ring, they sometimes DO visit, age concern and those girls really helped my Mum sort out what she was entitled to but hadn't claimed for decades . She couldn't get to offices or chat on phones as they haven't " invented" a good enough trachia tube just yet that is good enough for that.

t