Why cant I claim working tax credit or any benefit?

littlemandy

Hi all, can anybody help??

Im 37, single and live by myself. I have a shared ownership property where I pay part mortgage and part rent. I was made redundant over a year ago and have been working but on a much lower wage, only £5.70 per hour, and as I work different shifts it works out that I do 40 hours for 4 weeks then only 32 hours for 2 weeks then goes back to 40 hours 4 wks 32 hrs 2 wks etc etc. Ive tried to claim working tax credit but am always told not entitled to anything. I am at the moment awaiting another award to come through after contacting them again but not holding out much hope, im also trying to apply for council tax benefit and housing benefit for the rent part that I have to pay, again cant see anything coming from this. Ive gone on all kinds of sites to see if im entitled to anything and they all say no but am still gonna try. BUT WHY??? I struggle every month to pay out everything, have never claimed a penny in my life, apart from my single occupancy discount off my council tax. It just seems that the system is so unfair. If I was living with a partner and they were on a low wage like me id be entitled to something so why aren't i entitled if I live by myself.

I could go on and on but will stop now, just think I needed a little moan to get it out my system.

shameless-about-money

You still wouldn't be entitled to anything with a partner either!

If your pay is over the threshhold for the single person's low wage then you will not be entitled to WTC.

You would only qualify for WTC if you are disabled or have children.

That is the way the system works.

zoezoe_3

your income as a single man is over 11k a year. Why dont you look for a better job or reduce your outgoings if you cant manage ?

Zoe

Lifeisbutadream

littlemandy wrote:

Hi all, can anybody help??

Im 37, single and live by myself. I have a shared ownership property where I pay part mortgage and part rent. I was made redundant over a year ago and have been working but on a much lower wage, only £5.70 per hour, and as I work different shifts it works out that I do 40 hours for 4 weeks then only 32 hours for 2 weeks then goes back to 40 hours 4 wks 32 hrs 2 wks etc etc. Ive tried to claim working tax credit but am always told not entitled to anything. I am at the moment awaiting another award to come through after contacting them again but not holding out much hope, im also trying to apply for council tax benefit and housing benefit for the rent part that I have to pay, again cant see anything coming from this. Ive gone on all kinds of sites to see if im entitled to anything and they all say no but am still gonna try. BUT WHY??? I struggle every month to pay out everything, have never claimed a penny in my life, apart from my single occupancy discount off my council tax. It just seems that the system is so unfair. If I was living with a partner and they were on a low wage like me id be entitled to something so why aren't i entitled if I live by myself.

I could go on and on but will stop now, just think I needed a little moan to get it out my system.

You are only entitled to benefits such as working tax credits if you have children.

If you are finding it difficult to pay the bills, perhaps look for a second job?

healy

Lifeisbutadream wrote:

You are only entitled to benefits such as working tax credits if you have children.

If you are finding it difficult to pay the bills, perhaps look for a second job?

As Shameless has said above others such as the disabled can claim Working Tax Credits not just those with children.

Lifeisbutadream

healy wrote:

As Shameless has said above others such as the disabled can claim Working Tax Credits not just those with children.

Sorry didnt know that - I will shut up now...

sarahlouise210

Lifeisbutadream wrote:

You are only entitled to benefits such as working tax credits if you have children.

If you are finding it difficult to pay the bills, perhaps look for a second job?

No...anyone over 25 can claim WTC if their income is low enough. Under that they must be disabled or have children.

suffolkb

Try putting your details into https://www.entitledto.com. Your shifts mean that you work an average of 34 2/3 hours a week @£5.70 which I make £10,275 pa. The problem will be that benefits are based on what you earned in the last financial year, which might have been over the limit. Not sure what happens then, but good luck.

shameless-about-money

Lifeisbutadream wrote:

Sorry didnt know that - I will shut up now...

The only reasong I know is because I get WTC! I am single with no children but am disabled on DLA.

I was given DLA last year, then had to go off sick in October. I only realised throught mse.com that I was entitled to WTC at all!! Then I discovered that I also get the disability element. I am single with no children so thought I didn't qualify for anything.

Even then I really wasn't sure I qualified but I phoned them and got the application pack, sent it off and have been given WTC!

I would never have known if it hadn't been for this Forum.

zoezoe_3

suffolkb wrote:

The problem will be that benefits are based on what you earned in the last financial year.

Why do people still think this ?? Is is NOT true. The initial award is, but then you just ring them up and give your current fugures...

tinkerbell1977

zoezoe wrote:

Why do people still think this ?? Is is NOT true. The initial award is, but then you just ring them up and give your current fugures...

people unfortunately still get v confused about Tax credits, it aint like the old famc and wftc.
The best thing you can do it ring cit advice, tax credits and ur local council, they all do estimates over the phone, tc and local councils prob the most reliable.:D