What can be claimed?

Bez79

Hi, I hope I am on the right thread. My father was made redundant about 15 months ago, after 30 years at the same company. He is mid fiftys, and unfortunately has not had any luck with finding another job. His redundancy money has all gone now, just on day to day living. His wife works full time. He claimed job seekers allowance when he was first made redundant but was only able to do this for 6 months I am not sure of the reason. I am just wondering is there something he can claim, or his he dependable on his wife? Money is very tight at the moment for them, and I am helping him to write some letters to creditors of unsecured debts, because he has mortgage arrears. I have told him he needs to get his mortgage back up to date and try and make token payments to unsecured debts. Any extra income would be great for them. So if anybody knows if they are entitled to anything I would be most grateful for the advice.

Vader123

It sounds like he claimed Income Based JSA, this does not take into account any savings or other household income.

I can't think of anything else he can claim, though you are correct about sorting out the priority debts before the others.

Vader

seven-day-weekend

His Contributions-based JSA which finished after six months will not take his wife's earnings into accout. Income-based JSA will, which is why he is not entitled to it. They are expected to live on her full-time wage.

However, depending upon her wage, they may be entitled to Council tax Benefit.

Put their details into https://www.entitledto.co.uk to see if they are entitled to this.

Oldernotwiser

What a shame he didn't use his redundancy money to pay off the mortgage arrears!

Bez79

Thanks to you for your advice.

Oldernotwiser - My father did not have mortgage arrears when he was made redundant, this has only happened in the last six months.

I did just look on HMRC site and there could be possibility they can claim working tax credits, so fingers crossed.

Seven-day-weekend - I will look at that site now thanks.

karenx

She needs to be working 30 hours a week or more and not earn more than 17k PA to qualify.

Oldernotwiser

Do they have any dependent children?