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Income Support, child element and CTC
Freebie_Hunter_2
Posts: 484 Forumite
So we tried, and tried, but the relationship just hasn't worked out and unfortunately my partner and I have parted company.
Because I am not currently in work I have been advised to claim Income Support as a lone parent. Now, upon my research I have found that some people have said you may be better off claiming the child element of income support rather than CTC. I currently get CTC which is about £51 a week, yet the child element is a little more than that at about £56. That few pounds a week could make all the difference, so is there any way I can switch over to that?
Until I find a smaller place/full time work I have a £100 deficit in rent from LHA being so low (a month) and as I'll only get £65 a week for the income support (plus the CB/CTC) I'm really worried that I'm going to struggle.
Can anyone help please?
PS. I have just put in a fresh claim today and have my first interview on Tuesday.
Am I also entitled to anything else for now? Thanks for your help.
Because I am not currently in work I have been advised to claim Income Support as a lone parent. Now, upon my research I have found that some people have said you may be better off claiming the child element of income support rather than CTC. I currently get CTC which is about £51 a week, yet the child element is a little more than that at about £56. That few pounds a week could make all the difference, so is there any way I can switch over to that?
Until I find a smaller place/full time work I have a £100 deficit in rent from LHA being so low (a month) and as I'll only get £65 a week for the income support (plus the CB/CTC) I'm really worried that I'm going to struggle.
Can anyone help please?
PS. I have just put in a fresh claim today and have my first interview on Tuesday.
Am I also entitled to anything else for now? Thanks for your help.
Watch out people. You don't know what lurks around the corner for you![/SIZE]
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Comments
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you can no longer claim child elements of income support - they're only in payment to people who were on IS before CTC came in.
Try contacting your LA to apply for a disretionary housing payment to top up LHA. It's only paid short term, normally 3-6 months.0 -
Have you stopped your joint tax credits claim and claimed as a single person yet?
You can also get your child maintenance from your ex, while on income support you are only allowed to keep £20 per week. That would make up £80 a month which will help you with the rent!0 -
Karen.....my ex has moved back to his parents 2hrs away and is signing on so I don't know if I will get maintenance from him. It's a shame I can't claim the child element as I would be £20 a month better off, thats several meals worth!Watch out people. You don't know what lurks around the corner for you![/SIZE]0
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Are you and your ex on speaking terms? As when on JSA the CSA can take £5 a week from his benefits to give to you. So even with that you are still getting the £20 a month iyswim?
If you arent speaking then put a claim in to CSA and they can take the money. If you are speaking then Im sure if you explain the situation he would help you out with even £5 a week0
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