Ask the CCCS a benefits question

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cit_k wrote: »

Out of interest, do they normally cover benefit related issues?

Hi cit_K and thanks for your question.

This is our first dedicated benefits thread on here.

However we have a specialist welfare benefits team that deal with these sorts of questions all the time. You can read more about them on our blog.

I hope this answers your question,
Pavan

StepChange_Pavan

fantasticfive wrote: »

Can my husband apply for DLA as the spouse of a UK national despite having no recourse to public funds?
It seems to be an exception, that as the spouse of an EU national he will qualify, even though he has "no recourse to public funds".

Is this correct?
thanks in advance.

Hi fantasticfive and thanks for your question.

According to the government website www.direct.gov.uk as a family member of a national of a European Economic Area (EEA) country, immigration control might not stop your husband from claiming Disability Living Allowance (DLA). However there are other conditions to be met, such as being ordinarily resident and present in the UK, and of course meeting the qualifying criteria for the benefit itself. You can read more about this here: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Disabledpeople/DG_10012424

However, as this is a highly complex area of benefits law and claiming benefit when you are not entitled to can jeopardise your right to stay in the UK, I would recommend speaking directly to the Disability Benefits Helpline who deal with claims for DLA and explaining the situation to them prior to making a claim.
See http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Dl1/Directories/DG_10011169 for their contact details.

I hope this helps.
Pavan

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gummybear1 wrote: »

I am going abroad on holiday and have been told that my JSA allowance stops as I will not be in this Country, which is really annoying as I will have even less money to come back to and very unfair as this was a Birthday present from my family to ease the pain of losing my business last year. Having to claim JSA is degrading enough without having to start the claim all over again.
Question: do my other benefits stop as well - payments towards my mortgage and child tax credits?

Hi gummybear1 and thanks for your question.

If you are going abroad then you are no longer classed as available and looking for work - so yes your Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) will stop for the period that you are overseas on holiday.

Because payments towards your mortgage are part of your JSA claim, then these will also stop.

Your Child Tax Credit (CTC) will class the holiday as a temporary absence, so it should not be affected. It also shouldn’t affect any claim for Council Tax Benefit for this period

I would recommend that you speak to your advisor at the jobcentre as you may have to start your claim again - and this may included waiting a further 13 weeks before you qualify for help towards your mortgage again.

I hope this helps,
Pavan

StepChange_Pavan

tilly_lady wrote: »

savings and incapacity benifit

Hi tilly lady and thanks for your question.

Please could you give us a bit more information about what you’d like to know?

Thanks,
Pavan

rikman_2

Hi,

My wife has taken a 4 year career break from the NHS to raise our 2 boys who are 4 and 1. We currently receive child benefit and tax credits. Is she entitled to any other benefits liek income support and will that affect/reduce her tax credits?

Any information you can provide is greatly appreciated.

In case it helps our total family income pre-tax is now £25k pa. We own our own home (mortgaged) and we pay about £90 a month for rates (council tax)

Many thanks

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BUBBLES123CATS wrote: »

Can you help please, I have left my job because of bullying which was making me depressed and stressed, my doctor advised me to leave. I am having trouble finding another job, will I be able to claim Job seekers benefit as I have voluntary left my job. Thank you

Hi BUBBLES123CATS and thank you for your question.

You can apply for Jobseekers Allowance but the reason you left will be investigated by a decision maker. If it is deemed as a ‘reasonable cause’ then you will be eligible.

However if they decide it isn’t a reasonable cause, you still need to apply and they will put a sanction on your payments. This means you won’t get paid for a period of time. If this happens you can ask for hardship payments and if agreed you would receive 60% of the amount.

An alternative for you to claim if you are not fit for work is to get a fit note (previously sick note) from your doctor and claim for Employment Support Allowance (paid at the same amount as JSA). This will be re assessed after 13 weeks.

I hope this helps,
Pavan

lainey2436

Have multiple disabilities, Diabetic t1, heart attacks, memory problems, all got worse in last 12 months yet failed a medical and have had to appeal my self as cant get appointment until after the 1 month deadline. Very upset over this. What if I get refused again. Very worried

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help-me-please wrote: »

Hi, If someone is on income related ESA & has not had any change in circumstances, can they be put onto ESA cont based?

Many Thanks

Hi help-me-please and thank you for your question.

You wouldn’t be put on to contributory based, as this would be based on your National Insurance contributions – this won’t have changed from your initial award of income based ESA.

I hope this helps,
Pavan

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nick2kdude wrote: »

I'm thinking of moving to Scotland from west midlands and also leave my job as i want to do something eles.
If i do move there and i am unable to find a job staright a way could i make a claim for JSA or any other.

thanks

Hi nick2kdude and thanks for your question.

This is similar to the question posed by Bubbles123cats (see post 9).

Like I mentioned before, you can apply but the reason you left will be investigated and they will decide whether or not it was a reasonable cause.

If they decide it isn’t reasonable, you still need to apply and they will put a sanction on your payments. This means you won’t get paid for a period of time. If this happens you can ask for hardship payments and if agreed you would receive 60% of the amount.

You may be able to claim for your housing costs but this will depend on any assets or income you may have.

I hope this,
Pavan

caz2703

I have recently separated from my husband and am living in the family home. At present, I am employed but on maternity leave with SMP due to end very soon. My Ex is paying all the bills at present but is seeking to have me contribute but is providing no support for raising the children. I may not be able to return to work full time given childcare costs so what if anything can I do at this moment in time? Am I entitled to any benefits (bar the child benefit which has just recently been changed across to my bank account) whilst on SMP? As a couple we weren't entitled to CTC or WTC but as a single parent, would I be? I have 2 children under 2 if that helps.

I'd appreciate any advice you can give me.