Would we be entitled to any more benefits?

falko89

Since tax credits reduced our payments we are at the stage where we are struggling, so much so that we are in the process of getting an IVA as we can't afford our debts.

I earn min wage and come home with £220 per week

My partner works part time 16 hours and comes home with £109 per week, we also get child tax at £130

So that is a total household income of £459 per week, We used to get £180 per week tax credits and as I say we are really feeling the drop, I was unemployed for 4 months and can say we where better off then on benefits as we got full housing benefit etc, it feels like we are working for nothing really as today Sunday I am once again skint until next Friday (pay day)

annie1975_2

I know how you feel mate.A lot of people are working and are worse off. I feel for you.
How many children have you got? Was your tax credits £180 when you were unemployed and then dropped when you got a job? What about Child benefit?
Just questions people will want to know,then they can help you to see if you are entitled to anything else.

pmlindyloo

I see you have a previous thread with oodles of suggestions and thoughts on this:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4080885

Instead of starting another one why not post your SOA on the Debtfree Wannabe board and see if the good folks there can help?

Or have you done that already?

Or post this on the discussion board.

But to answer your question, check by putting your details into the benefit calculator on www.turn2us.org.uk (go to Benfits Search on the banner, click on there and you will see the calculator.)

helpfulperson

For people in your position an IVA may be overkill. Have you taken advice on the options for dealing with your debt? If not, and you haven't already signed up for an IVA, then get along to your local Citizens Advice Bureau for some good advice.

falko89

pmlindyloo wrote: »

I see you have a previous thread with oodles of suggestions and thoughts on this:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4080885

Instead of starting another one why not post your SOA on the Debtfree Wannabe board and see if the good folks there can help?

Or have you done that already?

Or post this on the discussion board.

But to answer your question, check by putting your details into the benefit calculator on www.turn2us.org.uk (go to Benfits Search on the banner, click on there and you will see the calculator.)

That turned into a discussion on whether its better to work or not with very little helpful information, I gave up after the first couple of pages.

I've not posted my SOA as I don't have all the info and with about 30 creditors its not an easy task.

falko89

helpfulperson wrote: »

For people in your position an IVA may be overkill. Have you taken advice on the options for dealing with your debt? If not, and you haven't already signed up for an IVA, then get along to your local Citizens Advice Bureau for some good advice.

I've been on a DMP with CCCS for about 5 years with very little improvement, last time I checked it will be 2020 before I am debt free so hardly realistic,

With a drop in pay and cut in tax credits things have now just come to a head.

falko89

annie1975 wrote: »

I know how you feel mate.A lot of people are working and are worse off. I feel for you.
How many children have you got? Was your tax credits £180 when you were unemployed and then dropped when you got a job? What about Child benefit?
Just questions people will want to know,then they can help you to see if you are entitled to anything else.

I've got 3 kids and yes get child benefit, I don't know what way tax credits work, when I phoned them to say I was unemployed it went up £20 or so, when I told them I was back working it didn't change maybe because of the low wage, then when we filled in the form it took a massive drop.

banner188

your tax credits should go back up next april

falko89

banner188 wrote: »

your tax credits should go back up next april

Why is that?

benefitbaby

falko89 wrote: »

Since tax credits reduced our payments we are at the stage where we are struggling, so much so that we are in the process of getting an IVA as we can't afford our debts.

I earn min wage and come home with £220 per week

My partner works part time 16 hours and comes home with £109 per week, we also get child tax at £130

So that is a total household income of £459 per week, We used to get £180 per week tax credits and as I say we are really feeling the drop, I was unemployed for 4 months and can say we where better off then on benefits as we got full housing benefit etc, it feels like we are working for nothing really as today Sunday I am once again skint until next Friday (pay day)

Have you checked to see if you would qualify for HB and/or CTB? As you have 3 children your applicable amount would be quite high and you may qualify.

banner188

falko89 wrote: »

Why is that?

You should be getting a lot more now but you are obviously having to repay an overpayment from last year.