Full time married mum...JSA or Income Support

ISHA1930

Im really confused!
Having not claimed benefits before, I am shocked at how difficult and confusing it all is!!
I was made redundant from my job last year whilst on maternity leave........once most the money had dwindled away, I was advised to claim JSA (contribution based).
Each fortnight signing on, talking about what work I have been looking for. But truth be know, it will be really difficult for me to find the right job! Basically because I look after my 18 month old, and 81 yr old father, whilst my husband is at work! (Postman.....not that that matters!!)
My husband has just said maybe I should actually be on a different benefit, as realistically, in effect Im not really looking fir work, as it would be impossible.
So, my question is, are there any other benefit I should/could be on? instead of JSA?
We also receive Tax credits and Housing Benefit (although VERY small amount), would these benefits increase if I no longer claimed JSA?
Please, any advice would be welcome. x

pickpocketlocket

No, you cannot claim IS, you are not in an eligible group, and it sounds like your husband earns too much anyway.

Is there any reason why you cannot work when your husband is at home?

How often do you care for your father? Does he receive Attendance Allowance?

nannytone_2

[f ypure mpt actively seeking work then you arent entitled to JSA ( it will only last for 6 mpnths and you wont get income based JSA).
income support os for lone parents and carers, so you wont get this euther. it is also mmeans tested, and as your husband works full time you will be ineligable for ant means tested benefit.

does your father get any disability benefits?

welshmoneylover

ISHA1930 wrote: »

Im really confused!
Having not claimed benefits before, I am shocked at how difficult and confusing it all is!!
I was made redundant from my job last year whilst on maternity leave........once most the money had dwindled away, I was advised to claim JSA (contribution based).
Each fortnight signing on, talking about what work I have been looking for. But truth be know, it will be really difficult for me to find the right job! Basically because I look after my 18 month old, and 81 yr old father, whilst my husband is at work! (Postman.....not that that matters!!)
My husband has just said maybe I should actually be on a different benefit, as realistically, in effect Im not really looking fir work, as it would be impossible.
So, my question is, are there any other benefit I should/could be on? instead of JSA?
We also receive Tax credits and Housing Benefit (although VERY small amount), would these benefits increase if I no longer claimed JSA?
Please, any advice would be welcome. x

Why isn't your husband supporting you financially?

pmlindyloo

If your father is claiming AA and you care for him for 35hours each week you may want to look in to claiming Carer's Allownace.

gingergee

Will say my favourite saying...... look into care work (social care). You can choose your own hours etc. This will enable you to look after your LO and dad. xx

Ms_Chocaholic

Definitely look into applying for Carers Allowance if you care for your dad (I think it is over 35 hours per week). I think that the care you provide for those 35 hours min does not have to be personal care but can include collecting prescriptions etc.

Tehya

Hi there, yes definitely look into claiming Carer's Allowance (Ms Chocoholic is correct care can be counted as shopping for your caree, collecting meds, preparing or clearing for/after caring i.e. cleaning up after caree goes home if you've looked after the person in your own home. Also sitting with them counts to make sure they take medication or keep them safe. All these things count as caring and can/do add up to the required 35 hours).

Carer's Allowance is not means tested but the carer can't earn more than £100 after expenses (hubby's wage or any savings don't count). But please be aware the benefits your caree claims could be affected when CA is claimed so seek advice before you put in for it.

If you can't or don't want to claim CA and to answer your other question then yes your other benefits may well be increased if you're not claiming JSA. Try one of the online calculators:

http://www.turn2us.org.uk/benefits_search.aspx
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Diol1/DoItOnline/DoItOnlineByCategory/DG_172666

I personally find the Directgov one the best but others swaer by Entitledto.

Good luck, Tehya

PS: Sorry but should have mentioned that to claim CA then your dad will need to be claiming either AA (I thinks it's any rate) or DLA - if DLA it has to be DLA Care at either middle or higher rate.

ISHA1930

Thanks for advice.
My husbands wage is very low, however he does support me!!!
Yes, I look after my father over 35 hours per week (he also lives 40 miles away!) and he is on Attendance Allowance, so maybe I should look into Carers Allowance.

gingergee

CA isn't means tested, but it is a taxable benefit. So you would need to inform tax credits if you did claim x

Mojisola

ISHA1930 wrote: »

Thanks for advice.
My husbands wage is very low, however he does support me!!!
Yes, I look after my father over 35 hours per week (he also lives 40 miles away!) and he is on Attendance Allowance, so maybe I should look into Carers Allowance.

Depending on his benefits, he may be receiving Severe Disability Premium. He will lose this if you claim CA for looking after him so check that out.