We’d like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum.
This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are – or become – political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.
📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!
The Forum now has a brand new text editor, adding a bunch of handy features to use when creating posts. Read more in our how-to guide
First time benefit claim - advice appreciated!!!
Pinkdebster
Posts: 397 Forumite
Hi everyone
I think maybe I'm having a mid-life crisis!!! This is my very first time of claiming benefits and I confess to being completely overwhelmed, confused and anxious. I therefore wonder if someone out there could possible give me some advice??
My partner and I are both in our mid-40s and have children who are now past 18 and have left home. Until recently, we both worked full-time in good jobs.
In February, my partner was made redundant and had to claim contributions based JSA. I was still working so his claim was just his. In June, I was placed on long-term sick and was initially receiving SSP from my Employer. However, I have now been made redundant (with effect from 13th August) too!! (It never rains!!)
I am currently signed off sick until January 2011 although, in reality it could be longer. I therefore made a claim in the beginning of August for ESA. We also now receive Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit.
As I hadn't heard anything in respect of my claim, I made a telephone enquiry this morning and was told that my claim for ESA had been put on hold due to a previous claim?? I told the lady that I had never claimed benefits before and she asked if my partner was claiming for me. I said no because I knew he wasn't. However, it transpires that this week he has to change to income-based JSA as his contribution period runs out - is this the reason my claim is on hold??? I was told that we would now have to make a joint claim???
My partner is ever hopeful of finding a new job so my question is........would we be better placed for me to add his claim to mine or should I add my claim to his? And how do we go about this?
I'm sorry for such silly questions but we honestly have no idea how any of this works!! If we do nothing, will they automatically add my claim to his or does he need to ask someone to do this? If so, how does he do this? Does he go to the local Job centre?
The lady I spoke to suggested we would be better placed for him to be added to my claim as, in all reality, I will claiming benefits longer. If THIS is the case, how do we ask for his claim to be added to mine? Can we do this over the phone? To whom?
Sorry.................as you can see, so many questions but I hope someone can offer me some advice??
Many thanks,
Debbie
I think maybe I'm having a mid-life crisis!!! This is my very first time of claiming benefits and I confess to being completely overwhelmed, confused and anxious. I therefore wonder if someone out there could possible give me some advice??
My partner and I are both in our mid-40s and have children who are now past 18 and have left home. Until recently, we both worked full-time in good jobs.
In February, my partner was made redundant and had to claim contributions based JSA. I was still working so his claim was just his. In June, I was placed on long-term sick and was initially receiving SSP from my Employer. However, I have now been made redundant (with effect from 13th August) too!! (It never rains!!)
I am currently signed off sick until January 2011 although, in reality it could be longer. I therefore made a claim in the beginning of August for ESA. We also now receive Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit.
As I hadn't heard anything in respect of my claim, I made a telephone enquiry this morning and was told that my claim for ESA had been put on hold due to a previous claim?? I told the lady that I had never claimed benefits before and she asked if my partner was claiming for me. I said no because I knew he wasn't. However, it transpires that this week he has to change to income-based JSA as his contribution period runs out - is this the reason my claim is on hold??? I was told that we would now have to make a joint claim???
My partner is ever hopeful of finding a new job so my question is........would we be better placed for me to add his claim to mine or should I add my claim to his? And how do we go about this?
I'm sorry for such silly questions but we honestly have no idea how any of this works!! If we do nothing, will they automatically add my claim to his or does he need to ask someone to do this? If so, how does he do this? Does he go to the local Job centre?
The lady I spoke to suggested we would be better placed for him to be added to my claim as, in all reality, I will claiming benefits longer. If THIS is the case, how do we ask for his claim to be added to mine? Can we do this over the phone? To whom?
Sorry.................as you can see, so many questions but I hope someone can offer me some advice??
Many thanks,
Debbie
0
This discussion has been closed.
Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply
Categories
- All Categories
- 354.4K Banking & Borrowing
- 254.4K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
- 455.4K Spending & Discounts
- 247.3K Work, Benefits & Business
- 604K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
- 178.4K Life & Family
- 261.5K Travel & Transport
- 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
- 16K Discuss & Feedback
- 37.7K Read-Only Boards