Jobseeker's Allowance stopped

forelli

Hi guys new here and I would hope someone here can advise me or give me any info if possible.

I was made redundant last july from a company based here in the North East England due to the work downturn and orders were passed to a site in the same sector, but based in Hungary for obvious reasons. I was entitled to Jobseeker's Allowance for 6 months but having been unemployed for the last 6 months ( in the meantime I have been looking for and been unsuccessful on many occasions looking for work), I received a letter stating that my Jobseeker's Allowance will soon run out. I signed on last thursday ( 28 Jan 10') and haven't received any payment to this date. I rang the benefits office and they told me that due to my wife working full time, I don't qualify for income based benefit. I explained to them about bills, mortgage etc... but they were not actually interested. They did inform me of a form I need to fill out ( JSA8 or something like that) for a new claim which they said I should have known about in which I didn't due to having been employed for over 16 years continually. I'm worrying so about my bills etc...but don't know where to go from here. I've just had an interview for the Royal Mail, I just hope that I do get the job.
Any advice or help would be greatly appreciated.

fluffymovie

Hi

You are in a difficult situation but when you look at your original JSA letters, they will have said that you would only get JSA for 26 weeks. This is because JSA C ignores all other household income but when this ends, your household, so your wife's earnings, are taken into account.

You may still get NI credits but an expert on JSA will be along shortly. You may get some help with housing costs from them as well.

If you are struggling to pay your Council Tax, you can apply for Council Tax Benefit from your local council.

NASA_2

As your wife works more than 24 hours you will not be entitled to JSA(IB). As said above you may still be entitled to Credits.

Do you have any kids? Tax Credits may be an option if you do.

dmg24

fluffymovie is correct, CB JSA is only payable for 26 weeks. You will be able to continue to sign for NI Credits, but you will not receive any payment due to your wife working full time.

If your wife is on a low income you may be eligible for CTB or WTC. Do you have children? If so, you may also be eligible for CTC.

forelli

No kids as of yet, and I haven't got a clue what these Credits are. If possible, could you explain what they are? I'm angry and upset at the moment, it just feels that i'm persecuted for being a law abiding citizen and paying into the system. What do these acronyms stand for ( CTB WTC)?

NASA_2

forelli wrote: »

No kids as of yet, and I haven't got a clue what these Credits are. If possible, could you explain what they are? I'm angry and upset at the moment, it just feels that i'm persecuted for being a law abiding citizen and paying into the system.

Well then, have a kid and a whole new world of benefits opens up, its a good earner.

dmg24

Council Tax Benefit and Working Tax Credits.

How much does your partner earn?

forelli

My wife works at M&S full time at £6.40 and hour is that classed as low income?

dmg24

You may be entitled to a small amount of CTB on that income, it would be worth applying.

It is unlikely that you will qualify for WTC this year, as it is based on last years income and even if you have a calculation based on the current year, it will take into account your earnings from April 2009 onwards. You should be eligible in the next tax year, but you will need to ask for an award based on your current income. Either way I would give them a ring today, just to double check.

forelli

I've just been to the jobcentre and asked for advice on what and where to go next......they did inform me to get in touch with working tax credits in which I did but......as my wifes' and my own earnings were up to £18.250 for this year i don't actually qualify for tax credits until april. Now I'm stumped....brick walls appearing everywhere...please advise me where and what to do next as I'm totally in the dark. Thank you very much for the help you guys have given me up to now ..it's really appreciated.

karenx

Im afraid there isnt any other options for you apart from getting a job!