Historic benefits question

Ellejmorgan

Hi could someone tell me some more info please..

When I was younger my father worked away a lot, between 1984-1990

My mother used to say she never had any money at all because she hadn't filed for divorce and wasn't able to get any benefits..

She must have got something though, I know she earnt £25 pw from paper rounds, not sure if declared.. I don't think my dad gave her anything, she said they didn't split until 1990 officially but I remember he only came home once a year..

I don't understand how she supported herself, does anyone know at all ??, surely she got some form of benefits, I didn't think divorce was relevant..

I can't ask my parents and even if I could I wouldn't be told the truth..
Can anyone tell me more, thanks

nannytone_2

i split with my husband in 1990 and am still technically m,arried to hom.
i received benefits for a short while at the time, and had no difficul;ty claiming them

Ellejmorgan

nannytone wrote: »

i split with my husband in 1990 and am still technically m,arried to hom.
i received benefits for a short while at the time, and had no difficul;ty claiming them

Would you be able to recall any of the rates, just out of curiosity.. Thanks

sweetnest

if i remember correctly, i was a single mother of 2 in 1989, i received a book to cash at the post office and used to receive £60 to £70 a week ???? (approx) also got my rent and council tax paid for. Also, i may have had some help once a year for school uniforms and got free school dinners. I hope this helps

sweetnest

and it was extremely easy to claim. once the form was filled in and returned i got first payment within 3 days

enabledebra

Before my time but interesting to find out. It was supplementary benefit before income support - housing benefit existed now and then. The historical rates are here:

http://www.ifs.org.uk/fiscalFacts/benefitTables