Worked since I was 16, now a SATM - advice please :-)

Icklebeans

Hello all,

I have been a regular poster on the Families thread but never posted here before.

I am 30 and have always had a job since I was 16. My husband and I tried for a family and discovered we were having twins. Our two boys were born in May 2009. Back in February 2009 I was made redundant. It was a mutual decision between myself and my company - I received redundancy pay and was able to save someone else's job and I know I wouldn't be returning to work with having twins. Because I was so far along in my pregnancy, my employer paid me my maternity pay (I was employed for 7 years with them). The maternity pay has just ended and I am to receive my P45 shortly.

Now, I do not know what to do or where to go. I have never been unemployed or claimed for anything so I am looking for advice to what I am entitled to. Can someone please point me in the right direction - where to go or who to ring? I am not looking for a job so I presume I won't be on the dole? I have heard the term tax credits etc but do not much about them.

Any help will be appreciated :-)

Many thanks!

Mum of twin boys

karenx

Have you put a claim in for child tax credits? If so do that now, you will need all the childrens details and child benefit numbers. Does your partner work? If so you need his salery details also. Depending on his income you may be entitled to working tax credits.
For yourself being a stay at home mum you will not get any benefits for doing this other than child benefit and the child tax credits. Nor will you get help towards childcare as one of you isnt working

Icklebeans

Thanks for replying Karenx. I haven't put in for child tax credits but will do so asap. My husband has got quite a good job so I am not holding out that we will be entitled to much.

whitewing

Try www.entitledto.com.

As far as I understand, you will need to doublecheck anything that it says your are entitled to, but it would be a good starting point.