Am I entitled to anything

dalbs

I took voluntary redundancy last Dec from the NHS and had 12 months salary. I received an RAF pension of £723 per month. I have contributed to NI for over 34 years. I signed on in January but was told that I was not entitled to anything due to my pension. I do not have mortgage protection and have basically paid myself a salary each month. The money will run out in about March. I have applied for about 60 jobs and had about 6 interviews. We do not claim child benefits because when I was working I was earning sufficient that did not allow us to claim.
Out for a beer last night with a friend who suggested I ask the forum if I am entitled to anything. Does seem strange that I have paid taxes all these years, spent 20 years in the RAF and yet not able to claim anything. It is not through the want of trying that I have not yet got a new post.

Any ideas/suggestions - could make my Christmas.

saintjammyswine

Maybe not income based but I would have though contribution based JSA?

There is a guide within the main MSE site for benefits, might be worth having a look there.

terryw

saintjammyswine wrote: »

Maybe not income based but I would have though contribution based JSA?

There is a guide within the main MSE site for benefits, might be worth having a look there.

Regretfully no conts based JSA either as occupational pensions are deducted from the JSA amount.

missmontana

How old are your children, you must receive Child Benefit, everyone gets that regardless of their income. (for the time being)

EconomicsGirl

Should definately be entilted to child benefit as long as your children are within the age limits. Will go in Jan 2013 if your DH is a higher rate taxpayer.

Other benefits am not sure. Contributions based JSA would be a no due to pension. Income based benefits unlikely I would have thought due to pension. If you have a working partner maybe tax credits if their income is below a certain level:

This link should help you tell - think HMRC run it but we don't qualify so not 100% certain:

http://www.turn2us.org.uk/benefits_search.aspx

HappyMJ

Why claim your pension before you had retired? Due to that you will not get any means tested benefits. You can claim for child tax credits and child benefit.

zagfles

Yes get your claim to tax credits in ASAP - they'll only backdate so far (think it's 3 months) so the longer you delay the more you'll lose.

If you income this year is under £16k it'll be worth about £60 a week for 1 child.