SSP and partner

Sarzzie13

Hello all...:D

At present I am not working my job as a 24 hour a week carer because of health problems. I am in the process of claiming SSP. I got told by ESA that I could also claim income support for my partner as I am the only one working. When I phoned them, that said things have changed and IS is only for single parents nowdays.
Any idea what else I am entitled to? otherwise were living off 85pound a week, plus child tax credits for the children...ESA would have been paying about 110pounds a week of myself and partner. I am presuming the working tax credits will stop as I am not working.

Any help would be great
x

fed_up_and_stressed

Tbh it depends on the earnings of your partner what you are entitled to. Suggest you put you, your partners details into a benefits checker tool to give you a guide based on your individual circumstances.

Robbie64

Hi Sarrzie13. I've deleted my previous answer because I've just read two different bits of official advice that totally contradict each other.

The first, which I posted, is that you can claim both SSP and Income Support for both your partner and yourself.

The second is that if your partner would be expected to claim income based JSA if he is not working and then claim for you as a dependent with both SSP and WTC in payment.

Apologies for deleting the previous post but I wouldn't want to leave up wrong advice, if indeed it is wrong.

However the advice I gave about WTC continuing while SSP is in payment is correct as is the advice about Child Tax Credit.

Sarzzie13

Robbie64 wrote: »

Hi Sarrzie13. I've deleted my previous answer because I've just read two different bits of official advice that totally contradict each other.

The first, which I posted, is that you can claim both SSP and Income Support for both your partner and yourself.

The second is that if your partner would be expected to claim income based JSA if he is not working and then claim for you as a dependent with both SSP and WTC in payment.

Apologies for deleting the previous post but I wouldn't want to leave up wrong advice, if indeed it is wrong.

However the advice I gave about WTC continuing while SSP is in payment is correct as is the advice about Child Tax Credit.

Thanks
On the phone today JSA said the new guidelines for IS was single parents and no exceptions
Still confused on what to do next...and how do I claim SSP for hubby? Sorry to sound like a thicko

Torry_Quine

Why isn't he working and what income does he have?

Sarzzie13

Torry_Quine wrote: »

Why isn't he working and what income does he have?

He gave up work 4years ago as I suffered with Depression, but I am too proud for my own good so he said he quit cause he hated it...I claimed ESA for a year then got a job as a carer, done that for over two years but done my back in
We also have 3young kids....he has been looking after them while I work

Robbie64

Sarzzie13 wrote: »

Thanks
On the phone today JSA said the new guidelines for IS was single parents and no exceptions
Still confused on what to do next...and how do I claim SSP for hubby? Sorry to sound like a thicko

You would claim SSP for yourself as it's paid to you by your employer. If your partner did have to sign on he would claim a "top up" to your SSP and WTC payments through Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) up to a maximum total income (including both SSP and WTC along with JSA) of £111.45.

Is the combined total of your SSP and WTC above £111.45? If so, it is unlikely either JSA or Income Support (IS) would be paid. The Child Tax Credit would still be paid, regardless of how much you receive.

If you are renting you can get additional help with rent and council tax through claiming Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit. You would need to claim this help through your local council. If you own your house then the amount of JSA or IS may be a higher amount after a period of time, to help with mortgage interest charges.

Torry_Quine

Sarzzie13 wrote: »

He gave up work 4years ago as I suffered with Depression, but I am too proud for my own good so he said he quit cause he hated it...I claimed ESA for a year then got a job as a carer, done that for over two years but done my back in
We also have 3young kids....he has been looking after them while I work

That means he gave up his work to support you in your depression but you went back to work so why didn't he go back to work then? It may be time for him to try and get a job to up your income. Sorry if that sounds harsh, it really isn't meant ot be.

As said he will only be able to top up your income to £111 per week with income based JSA.