Help if ill as a contractor

ani_26

Have you previously been working? You should be able to claim Esa, ( either income related or contribution based.) I would also make a claim for housing benefit and council tax benefit.

xoAmyox

I am claiming tax credits for help towards my childcare, I've worked for the last 3 years constantly, with maybe the odd week off between jobs.

Would I still be able to get housing benefit if I own a flat elsewhere that I rent out?

ani_26

xoAmyox wrote: »

I am claiming tax credits for help towards my childcare, I've worked for the last 3 years constantly, with maybe the odd week off between jobs.

Would I still be able to get housing benefit if I own a flat elsewhere that I rent out?

I don't know about that one, as this is income? Two properties?

I'm sure someone else we be along to help

xoAmyox

Just for clarity though, I have almost no equity in the property (maybe 2k), and almost all of the rental income goes on the mortgage.
I can't live there as it's 50 miles away from work, and I only moved here for work as the council refused to put my son in a school anywhere near where I lived, and it was a case of stop working, or stop him going to school.

mynameistallulah

TheBenefitsExpert wrote: »

Hello based on the information i have read from your circumstances you may be able to claim Income Support.

Vice Chair Of The DCS
Senior Benefits Decision Maker

Incredibly concerning - unless you have been on sick/ sabbatical for a very very long time?

xoAmyox

Can anyone please clarify how I work out if I've paid enough NIC contributions for ESA?
The application form and DirectGov just say 'enough contributions' which is pretty unhelpful

enabledebra

http://www.turn2us.org.uk/information__resources/useful_tools/ask_an_expert/aae_benefits_awareness/contribution_conditions.aspx
NB the tax years (April- April)must have been complete before the benefit year (Jan -Jan) in which you claim. So if you are claiming during 2012 its 09/10 and 10/11 tax years that count

xoAmyox

Ok, so as I understand it, I have to have earned at least 26 times the LEL (26 * 97 = 2522) in each year 09/10 and 10/11?

enabledebra

yes- but it's the last 2 tax years now- it changed from 3- i edited my post before i saw your reply sorry.

xoAmyox

Ok, I'm pretty sure I qualify for that. I'll find out what my blood test results come back like early next week, and if it's not good I'll call to claim. Thank you everyone for the help