Entitled to benefits?...very confused

dazzst

Hi,

One benefit calculator says we are entitled to benefits, another not so I'm confused and am looking for some advice. I'll keep the facts brief.

1. Two children aged 17 and 15, both in full time education and no savings.
2. My wife does not work but does voluntary work as a teaching assistant. She is looking for part time work without luck.
3. I'm in full time employment, working 42 hours a week on a net monthly income of £2400. £39000 per annum before tax.
4. We receive £80.00 per month child benefit.
5. We have no savings and no other income.

Are we entitled to any benefits?

Thanks
Daz

badmumof1

why should you be entitled? don't you think you earn enough?

shellsuit

Which one said you were entitled and what did it say you were entitled to?

dazzst

badmumof1 wrote: »

why should you be entitled? don't you think you earn enough?

No. I don't earn enough. Our outgoings exceed our income and we don't live any kind of extravagant lifestyle I can assure you. We are struggling like many people. I have never ever asked for any kind of benefit in the past, even if they were due or accessible.

raven83

In a word, No. You earn too much to qualify for benefits. Then again you may qualify for some child tax credits but they have recently changed all the requirements so not too sure.

DaisyFlower

dazzst wrote: »

No. I don't earn enough. Our outgoings exceed our income and we don't live any kind of extravagant lifestyle I can assure you. We are struggling like many people. I have never ever asked for any kind of benefit in the past, even if they were due or accessible.

If you are struggling then perhaps you need to look at your outgoings as its a healthy salary. Your wife has no need to work part time given the age of the children so could look for full time work. Plenty of work around for those that want it and are not fussy re the job or hours.

dazzst

DaisyFlower wrote: »

If you are struggling then perhaps you need to look at your outgoings as its a healthy salary. Your wife has no need to work part time given the age of the children so could look for full time work. Plenty of work around for those that want it and are not fussy re the job or hours.

Thanks for the reply. We've cut our outgoings to the bare minimum and running out of ideas. The wife is working voluntarily as a teaching assistant to gain some experience with a view of working for agencies which would obviously help.

badmumof1

dazzst wrote: »

No. I don't earn enough. Our outgoings exceed our income and we don't live any kind of extravagant lifestyle I can assure you. We are struggling like many people. I have never ever asked for any kind of benefit in the past, even if they were due or accessible.

your excessive outgoings are your problem and not for state benefits to bail you out.
I've seen so much carp on TV just recently about people not being able to afford breakfast for their kids its getting beyond the joke !
Make a list of everything you have outgoing and see what you can cut ie mobile phones, kids phones, sky tv, internet, takeaways etc are all not essentials in my book

tescobabe69

I'd check that child benefit for a start.

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/childbenefit/payments-entitlements/payments/rates.htm#1

sulkisu

If you post up an SOA, people can probably help you to further reduce your outgoings. The old style money saving threads are also very useful.

The answer is probably going to be for your wife to earn a wage. As somebody has already mentioned, she should be looking for full-time work. Meanwhile, she could just take any paid part-time work going e.g. care work, bar work, cleaning, stacking shelves etc. What part of the country do you live in?

dazzst

badmumof1 wrote: »

your excessive outgoings are your problem and not for state benefits to bail you out.
I've seen so much carp on TV just recently about people not being able to afford breakfast for their kids its getting beyond the joke !
Make a list of everything you have outgoing and see what you can cut ie mobile phones, kids phones, sky tv, internet, takeaways etc are all not essentials in my book

Some of what you say I agree with. We don't have Sky now or takeaway's, Our kids don't use their mobile phones (PAYG) unless its urgent. I have cut everything back to the bare minimum. I'm not asking to be 'bailed' out. I'm not a ponse nor am I looking for free handouts...just some help if its available.