redundant and scared

mewend_2

Hello there, I am asking this advice for my hubby, he was made redundant a month ago after working for 34 years , the last 7 years working from home for a firm who allowed him to do this.
He is my unpaid carer as I am badly disabled and cannot drive or work due to my illness.
He is a proud man and will not talk about signing on because he says who would look after me. He was made redundant 4 weeks ago and still hasn't done anything about claiming benefits or even to find which bemefits he can get.
We are living on our savings and my DLA which isn;t going to cover the mortgage, utilities etc. Can anyone tell me what he should do please and I will try to help him with the stress of unemployment and looking after me

TEDDYRUKSPIN

He should actually sign on, at least for JSA contribution at least. This is not means tested and is a result of him paying more than 2 years worth of tax.

Secondly, both of you should now review your benefits. This may top up the amount of money you will need. You can do this!

dmg24

What rate of DLA do you receive mewend?

mewend_2

high rate care low rate mobilty I am refgstered blind

motorguy

he really needs to go and sign on ASAP and see what you are both entitled to. You will quickly burn up any savings you have unnecessarily.

Hes paid his taxes and he therefore should claim to help you both out until he gets work.

dmg24

Are you in receipt of Incapacity Benefit? If so, as you are in receipt of DLA HRC, you can claim Income Support as a couple. Your partner can also claim Carers Allowance. If you are not in receipt of IB you will need to make a joint claim for ESA.

dmg24

pgilc1 wrote: »

he really needs to go and sign on ASAP and see what you are both entitled to. You will quickly burn up any savings you have unnecessarily.

Hes paid his taxes and he therefore should claim to help you both out until he gets work.

If he is not actively seeking work, he is not eligible for JSA. Therefore a joint claim on the basis of mewend's health condition would be more suitable.

mewend_2

Yes I get IB, does he have to go to job centre to do all this I know I sound thick but we have never had to do this before my visualy impairment team helped me with form etc

dizzybuff

Yes he does.. Why not make a day of it . What did he do . can he go freelance ?

But as said he needs to swallow hos pride however hard it may be and go and sign on and get the advise and benefits both of you need to survive. What was his redundency package like , can you pay a chunk of the morgage off with it ..

Get him to read the thread.

Hope it all works out xxxx

mewend_2

We paid a lump sum of mortage but have an endowment one running at side of repayment which is £25000 shortfall so still in debt and cannot claim for miselling as to late
thanks anyway
mewendxx

dmg24

mewend wrote: »

Yes I get IB, does he have to go to job centre to do all this I know I sound thick but we have never had to do this before my visualy impairment team helped me with form etc

Initially he will not need to go to the JCP. You need to contact the IB team to advise of the change in circumstances (there should be a number on any letters you have received), and also make claims for IS and CA. You can do these online. You can also claim for help with mortgage interest and Council Tax Benefit online (as part of the IS application).