New baby and partner just made redundant, what now???

nicolawh

I am currently on maternity leave and planned not to go back to work yet due to childcare costs. however my partner who works for network rail and supposedly had a safe job has just been made redundant as of feb 2010.
i am basically confused as to what to do next as to return to my job will bring in only a small wage and i dont know if i am better off staying off work and claiming benifits (i dont know which we would be entitled to) until my partner gets another job??

we currently rent through the council so not sure which route would bring in the best money for transition period. any ideas?

thankyou

Ms-Pacman

hi Nicola, have you tried phoning the benefits helpline to see what you and your partner would be entitled to? Also worth visitng local Citizens Advice Bureau who are really helpful.
A big hug to you.

sparvar

I would recommend CAB too, their site is :

http://www.citizensadvice.org.uk or http://www.adviceguide.org.uk

I wish you the best of luck, things may seem bad at the moment but we all survive, you will look back on this one day as a something you overcame, just try not to make any rash decisions and think things through and I wish the three of you all the best of luck.

Also maybe it is good speaking with the council? You may be entitled to reduced rent etc?

DX2

nicolawh wrote: »

I am currently on maternity leave and planned not to go back to work yet due to childcare costs. however my partner who works for network rail and supposedly had a safe job has just been made redundant as of feb 2010.
i am basically confused as to what to do next as to return to my job will bring in only a small wage and i dont know if i am better off staying off work and claiming benifits (i dont know which we would be entitled to) until my partner gets another job??

we currently rent through the council so not sure which route would bring in the best money for transition period. any ideas?

thankyou

nicola,
When your OH gets paid off get him to apply for JSA (jobseekers allowance) don't wait until savings ends.
Do you get working tax credits?
Do you get child tax credits?
Apply for housing/council benefit via your local authority.

Also have a look at this for more help.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Diol1/DoItOnline/DoItOnlineByCategory/DG_172666
Use the benefits adviser to...

• check which benefits you may be able to get
• get an estimate of the benefits, tax credits or pension that may be available
• compare estimates if your situation changes
• save your answers for up to seven days
• download/print results for reference