Can't be a*sed to sign up to IS

elisebutt65

The last 2 years in between years I've signed on for IS as a single mum. Last year the benefits were an extra 10/week and ok 0 I don't have to pay rent for 2 months which will be an extra £223 as I get HB at the mo.

Thing is I have to produce so much documentation every time - sign up to the CSA thing - which is total pants as I already have agreements with my son's fathers for maintenance and they never get anything done by the time I sign back off anyway. And then I have to fill in all the HB forms in October again which is soo annoying and time consuming.

I get £120 a week in CTC at the mo + £50 a week maintenace and I can mange quite happily on that uintil I get my Loan and Grants in Ocotber.

I just cannot be bothered faffing around on the phone for hours to DWP and all the paperwork for £223 and £10/week.

If it wasn't for the cost of childcare during the holidays and my dissertation workload then I could get a job for a few days a week -but then there are CTC implications as well - sigh!!!!!

Any disadvantages to not signing up - apart from the loss of a few quid?

Savvy_Sue

elisebutt65 wrote:

Any disadvantages to not signing up - apart from the loss of a few quid?

I was about to say "Would it not get you some more NI credits?" but then I realised you'll be getting them through Home Responsilibities Protection with your Child Benefit, and even if the ones you get while claiming IS are 'better' than those you wouldn't get a full year's worth so they wouldn't count.

So, the only other thing I can think of is, are there any discounts if you're on IS? Like getting into the swimming pool, museums, fun things to do with the kids in the summer?

Free dental treatment? If you needed any ... and could find an NHS dentist ... But maybe you've already got the HC1 for that ...

chugalug

I've just been thinking the same thing. I've just finished my second year and not had to claim anything yet. Unfortunately, everything seems to have caught up financially. Childcare is a bit hit and miss at the moment cos my youngest is 11 but his older brother and sister aren't going to be around this summer - makes working a bit difficult. I've looked into HB and IS but it just seems they want so much information and proof of everything. I'm hoping I can do without claiming at all so looking for a job I can work round everything. Only one year to go!!!!!!!!!!!

Savvy_Sue

chugalug wrote:

Childcare is a bit hit and miss at the moment cos my youngest is 11 but his older brother and sister aren't going to be around this summer - makes working a bit difficult.

Have you asked about local holiday activities, especially for older children? There are sometimes quite heavily subsidised activities available, if you can track them down!

missk_ensington

I'm at university and they pay my childcare 51 weeks of the year through the Childcare Grant?!?!

It says in the Student Finance notes that you can claim your childcare through tax credits instead of ChildCare grant, but I don't see how you can. They told me they dont pay childcare for students?!?

And how will you be any better on Income Support regarding childcare? You're still going to have to pay for it because Income Support won't.

I wouldn't bother with it, surely you're getting more through CSA/Tax cred than they'll give you on Income support? They'll only give you £100 a week or something??

You say you get £120 a week in CTC, may I ask how that's made up? I'm in similar situation, student, single parent and I'm only entitled to £44 a week??? Is this because you work over 16 hours as well?

Good luck with it x