Desperate for help - reducing outgoings

sarah76

With regards to my ex, he's currently claiming some sort of sickness benefit, so would it be worth contacting the csa? I know my friend gets nothing from them because her child father is out of work

EnglishBrainIrishHeart

When you say some sort, you obviously do not know exactly which, thus is he claiming fraudulently?

If so, and I do not condone blackmailing in anyway, maybe you have further leverage to encouraging him for further payment or any payment - after all he does have a responsibility to them as well - or am I niaive?

hesjane

sarah76 wrote: »

Thanks Misspoppy
The total for salary in my soa includes tax credits. I can only work part time at the moment because middle son has adhd. My parents are brilliant, they look after the children when I work, but he can be a real handful, and I don't want to take advantage of them.
I will take a look at the oldstyle board. Many thanks x

Hi

If you son has ADHD you may be able to claim the carer's component of Disability Living Allowance (children under 16). I used to work in a special school for children with moderate learning difficulties and many of the children there had ADHD and the parents claimed this. The school always supported their applications and were happy to complete any forms required to support the application. It's worth enquiring about - don't think that just because he's not physically disabled that you won't get it. Some of the parents we signed forms for, the man on the street would have thought they just had a naughty child - but living with an ADHD child 24/7 is very hard and demanding work over and above the naughty child and that's why the allowance is paid. I've copied the bit below from the dept of work and pensions website:

To get the care component, children under 16 must have substantially greater care needs than other children of the same age who are not disabled. To get the lower rate of the mobility component they must need substantially more guidance or supervision outdoors.

Basically the criteria our parents used to claim on was for the middle rate carers rate under the bit that stated:

or need continual supervision throughout the day to avoid substantial danger to themselves or others

If you do qualify for DLA for your son then this bit may also kick in

Child Tax Credit

An extra amount may be included in your Child Tax Credit award for any child within your family who gets either component of DLA, or is registered blind, or who has been taken off the blind register in the last 28 weeks. It is paid in addition to the child element for that child.


It says here that the middle rate is £43.50 per week and does not affect other benefits.


Having said all this, you may not get it - but apply for it, if you are turned down then appeal. Believe me 9 out of every 10 claims we supported got the claim eventually.

hesjane

Sorry - just saw your post saying that you have applied and been turned down. Get the school and the educational psychologist to support your claim and if possible your GP

sarah76

A big thanks to everyone who has replied. It's really appreciated. I've certainly got a few thing to think about now - especially the csa, and trying for dla again.

Swishter

Are you renting or paying a mortgage? Based on your current earnings your monthly applicable amount is £1109.42 (which is the amount you need to live on per month excluding council tax). Based on this you should be paying £143.39 per month toward your rent and £44 on council tax.

If you own your house would it possible to move to rented and sell up? If this is possible confirm with welfare rights initally to ensure you retain your housing benefit entitlement, they will normally exclude a property you are trying to sell for 6 months after you start claiming for a rented property.

If you are in rented accomodation but you rent is considered too high by the rent officer could you you move to cheaper accomodation, your housing advice service can offer guidance on this.

Alternatively you can apply for a discretionary housing payment from your local authority, this is not classed as a benefit but my give you some respite by assisting with your housing costs normally for 13 weeks. I think that you may be able to get this if you have a mortgage and are receiving some council tax benefit.

A call to your local welfare rights can help you by telling you everything you are entitled to and assist you claim. You can find them in the yellow pages or in the a-z listing on your councils website.

Good luck!

Chloe

Did you complete DLA application yourself?

DLA applications are usually more successful if completed by a Welfare Benefits Adviser (contact your local Social Work office - don't worry it's a separate service and they won't be looking to take your kids off you!!). Or you could contact your CAB, who can also help with completion of forms.

As stated in previous reply, you will have a better chance of success if you have someone who can provide a statement, i.e. GP, Health Visitor, etc.

I receive DLA low rate care component and it means an additional £35/week WFTC for me, so I wish you luck.