Husband may lose job - what would we be entitled to if anything?

zippybungle

Hi,

My Husband earns 32k a year working full time, he is worried that he might lose his job over the next few months (disciplinary process). He is spending all his spare time applying for new jobs and has 2 interviews next month.

I work part time (25 hours per week) earning 16k a year.

We have 3 school aged kids, don't pay for any childcare as I work around school hours.

At the moment we claim child benefit, nothing else and do not have any savings left (due to a a variety of reasons, but mainly down to the recession).

If he loses his job, would we be entitled to anything at all? my wage alone, would not cover the mortgage, never mind any other bills.

I am very worried.

Zippy x

[Deleted User]

The calculator on the Turn2Us webpage will give you an idea of what you might be entitled to:

http://www.turn2us.entitledto.co.uk/entitlementcalculator.aspx?ref=

zagfles

Yes, definitely tax credits, that'll probably be all. Council tax benefit a possibility but unlikely. On £16k you'd get about £8500 CTC, but it'll be less to start off with as it's done on annual income (so OH's earnings in the tax year so far will count) plus there's a £2500 disregard for income drops.

The turn2us calculator should give an accurate answer if you're careful with the input...

dseventy

He might get Cont based JSA for 6 months but it maybe a no go if DWP decide to sanction him for loosing it due to diciplinary. CTC will go up at some point too.

Can you not up your hours as hubby can do the child care?

D70

rogerblack

To clarify - he will be entitled to cont-based JSA if he was working significantly as an employee in tax years 2010/11 and 11/12.
It is important to contest - if it's reasonable to do so - a sacking on grounds of misconduct.
And most important!
Pop over to the 'debt free' section of the board, and start econmising NOW.
Go through every recurring payment, and see if you are using the service to the full extent.
Can you economise by shifting to a cheaper package with less features, or economising on use?
Turn the thermostat down a couple of degrees.
Packed lunches, ...
On an income of 50K, you should be able to save a fairly decent cushion even over 'a few months'.

Consider if the structure of your mortgage is appropriate - can you switch it to a provider that may be more flexible with payment holidays, or with a better rate.