What am I entitled too??

TeddyBear83

Hi all, I am new here and I need some advice.....

Me and my partner have recently had a baby, its our first and everyone is being quite shady about what benefits we are entitled too and as I am sure you will understand, he is still at work and I am having my wage cut down to 35% from next week. To be honest, I really have no idea how we are going to cope!

Any help will be greatfully read! :beer:

karenx

Have you applied for child tax credits and working tax credits?
You also get child benefit of £20 per week

McKneff

For anything else it really depends on your income.

uganda

If you rent your property and your income is low you may qualify for Housing Benefit. You may qualify for Council Tax Benefit whether you rent or own.

As McKneff said, it depends on your income.

Firewallrob

If you are on a lowish income, you can also claim a one off £500 Sure Start Grant (form online or from job centre).

If you get a higher level of child tax credits (you will find out when you call them to apply), then they will automatically send you prescription/dentist exemption cards. I know the mother gets this for a year, but it covers the residing father too.

When tax credits assess your income, they knock off £100 a week of your maternity pay when doing their calculations - making more chance of you getting "low earner" benefits and higher tax credits.