Redundancy money gone - help !!!

JoanneT1982

I have recently been made redundant from the Local Authority. I decided to set up a business and have invested some money in to getting it going with my partners salary and my redundancy money to live off.

I've now got to a point where I hope to start taking a salary in about 3 months time. However we are barely getting by - my redundancy money has gone and my partners salary is barely covering the mortgage and the childcare fees (2 x children in child care) - we don't claim any benefits but now have only my partners salary and it simply is not enough.

I'm starting to panic a little, putting food in the cupboards is starting to get difficult and we've cancelled all luxuries i.e. sky, house phone, daughters guitar lessons (for now!) we really are trying to cut back on everything...

Am I entitled to any benefits whatsoever? I'm thinking about phoning inland revenue but don't relish the prospect and feel certain I'm not entitled.

Obviously I'm working full time but with no income. Partners income modest and we are really not managing. Last thing I wanted to do was look at claiming benefits - i have never claimed before, however I think we are starting to get ourselves in a mess.

Does anyone know the answer or whether there is a benefit I could apply for?

please help! any advice much appreciated...

Caz3121

do you receive child benefit and child tax credits? they are the only things I can think of

McKneff

Do you work at home, could you do this without putting the little ones into child care so saving all of that money

Mrssmith

Tax Credits & childcare (you will get a fair chunk of your childcare paid for as long as its a registered minder)and you can also get extra help but i cant remember what its called (im self emplyed too or was until today..lol), do the benefits adviser on line on the Directgov site (i did put a link but as a new user I cant post them, sorry ) That will give you some help but I would also give the jobcentre plus a ring too and let them know of your low income via self employment.

Hope that helps

xylophone

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/TaxCredits/Gettingstarted/whoqualifies/DG_073802

Oldernotwiser

What about looking for a part time job for the next few months?