Benefits help - getting enough?

jetty

Hi, I was reading in the paper the other week about an alcoholic who gets £350 incapacity and £370 income support a month. I live with my partner who gets incapacity (or whatever they call it now!) and we only get £140 a month income support between us. How come we get less than a person on their own? My partner was told to claim for me, but my name doesn't show up on any of the letters and i feel it isn't fair that i am not included anywhere (I'm currently doing an open university course and getting the help to pay for it was a nightmare as my name isn't anywhere). Can someone tell me if we are claiming together and are we getting what we should?

Thanks in advance

Tehya

Hi,

I've had this problem in the past. Most letters from the JC+/DWP will state you and your partner. That is the only proof you have that you are on the claim. When applying for student finance these letters should enough as it is looked at as family income. The other proof you could use is a council tax bill showing the deductions that are made for benefits, these bills should have both your names on them.

I can't help you with your entitlement to benefits as a couple as there are loads of things that affect the amount a couple receive, i.e. Carer's Allowance, DLA, level of disability etc. You could try putting your details into http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/diol1/doitonline/doitonlinebycategory/dg_172666 I've always found it pretty accurate.

Tehya

jetty

I did the check and it seems to be right what we are getting... i'm still not understanding the sense in someone on their own getting over twice what we do tho as a couple

Thanks for your help

busy_mom_2

jetty wrote: »

Hi, I was reading in the paper the other week about an alcoholic who gets £350 incapacity and £370 income support a month. I live with my partner who gets incapacity (or whatever they call it now!) and we only get £140 a month income support between us. How come we get less than a person on their own? My partner was told to claim for me, but my name doesn't show up on any of the letters and i feel it isn't fair that i am not included anywhere (I'm currently doing an open university course and getting the help to pay for it was a nightmare as my name isn't anywhere). Can someone tell me if we are claiming together and are we getting what we should?

Thanks in advance

Please don't rely on all what you read in the paper.

Have you rung the benefit enquiry line to confirm exactly what you are claiming and who for?
£140 per mnth between you is low, any other income? any savings?
What exactly is the £140 for incapacity or income support?

Indie_Kid

busy_mom wrote: »

What exactly is the £140 for incapacity or income support?

Income support.

What you get does depend on other income you have and the level of DLA.