Entitled to benefits?...very confused

Tippytoes

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.

I am sure many people have to manage on a much lower income. With all due respect, cut your suit according to the cloth.

no-oneknowsme

The OP asked a simple question. Im sure they dont need the ear bashing being given here!

If you have no civil advice then maybe theres no need to post on the thread?

dazzst

no-oneknowsme wrote: »

The OP asked a simple question. Im sure they dont need the ear bashing being given here!

If you have no civil advice then maybe theres no need to post on the thread?

Thanks. I feel bad enough!

mynameistallulah

On your other thread you say that your wife works five hours and her income is "low" - which is it?

nad1611

You should be receiving child benefit for both kids if they are both in full time education.

princessdon

1 working households suffer under the new Tax Credits.

I currently work part time and get approx 3/4 of your monthly net yet my FT is less than yours. Because I'm part time I pay less outgoings.

Therefore 2 workers on lower wages will have a much higher take home pay.

That said your choices are simple - You either cut back more on outgoing (perhaps change your mortgage to interest only whilst your wife is out of work), cut more none essentials etc. Do you have 2 cars for Eg?

2nd choice is send the Mrs out to work. Many of us have children a lot younger than yours and work because we need to! Even a few hours a week at minimum wage would see you right and she still has more than enough time to volunteer at the school.

Also does she have quals in teaching / teaching assistants? If not then all the volunteering in the world won't help.

This time of year all schools/colleges are asking for exam invigilators. Average £8 - £10 per hour - as and when required, she can be getting valuable experience and some pennies.

Sorry but I have little sympathy for people who don't work and then say they need money - Schools need lunchtime supervisors - anything that brings money in. Don't forget she will get every penny if under the threshold. So even if a 15 hr per week lunchtime worker that is approx £450 a month and still get experience to add to a CV. She can stay in the school in the PM.

Time to re-evaluate your lifestyle in all honesty.

MissMoneypenny

dazzst wrote: »

We receive £80.00 per month child benefit.

You should be getting £144.73 per month (£33.70 per week) from this benefit. I think you will find that that this £144.73 is the only benefit you will be able to claim on your income.

As others have said, you and your wife need to up your income and cut your outgoings. Post on the debt-free wannabe board for tips on cutting your outgoings and the Old Style Moneysaving board for tips on how to eat healthily on less money. Your wife needs to find paid work if you are still struggling.

dazzst

princessdon wrote: »

Also does she have quals in teaching / teaching assistants? If not then all the volunteering in the world won't help.

She's been advised that quals in TA's isn't necessary. 6 weeks experience only before they will take her on their books.

princessdon

Erm - Ok! That is the Agency speaking I take it - you'd find it hard to get work though, in fact I'd say impossible or lucky is more right

Min level 3 for the vast majority of schools. if she did her Supporting Teaching and Learning L3 (usually 3 hours per week!), she'd get experience (200 hours needed) and then she'd stand more chance of work. Some schools WILL take them via agency if they are "working towards it". It's approx £300 - £500 depending on where you live and most allow payments in installments.

If she doesn't have 5 GCSE's grade C or above and applies to a course starting before Sept 2013 - It would be FREE - from sept she pays as this is likely to be cut (from the guidance that has been released to date).

dazzst

princessdon wrote: »

Erm - Ok! That is the Agency speaking I take it - you'd find it hard to get work though, in fact I'd say impossible or lucky is more right

Min level 3 for the vast majority of schools. if she did her Supporting Teaching and Learning L3 (usually 3 hours per week!), she'd get experience (200 hours needed) and then she'd stand more chance of work. Some schools WILL take them via agency if they are "working towards it". It's approx £300 - £500 depending on where you live and most allow payments in installments.

If she doesn't have 5 GCSE's grade C or above and applies to a course starting before Sept 2013 - It would be FREE - from sept she pays as this is likely to be cut (from the guidance that has been released to date).

Yes, that was the agency speaking! Is she wasting her time? What should she do?