Was self employed, now out of work, options?

SleeplessDave

Hi all,

I am at an all time low so please be gentle with me I was self employed in a sole trader partnership up until recently. Things have been really tough financially, both at work and home, friction with my partner coupled with what I think was a mini breakdown* I really could not go on the way things were.

* I have been to the doctors, am on antidepressants and been referred to speak to Lifeline, although I am not suicidal

So, I am on the unemployed scrapheap I must point out I am 30 soon and never claimed a penny from the Government and have been in employment since I was 16. I have run through what little savings I had, I cannot fall back on family, I have a wife (working) and a small child (10 months old). I've been told I won't be entitled to anything as I essentially walked out - is this true?

I have rent looming, along with child care costs and living etc. In the process of claiming child care tax credits.

Any advice would be most welcomed

dseventy

I think that is right, as your wife works (assume its 16 hours or more) you will not be able to claim income based JSA. As you were a sole trader you probably didnt pay the right class of NI (but check) to claim contributions based JSA.

Can you provide the chilcare thus saving the childcare?
What does your wife earn?

D70

Caz3121

SleeplessDave wrote: »

I have rent looming, along with child care costs and living etc. In the process of claiming child care tax credits.

Have you made a claim for housing benefit? This will be based on the maximum LHA for your area for your circumstances (assuming private rental) and reduced by your household income but you may get a little help.
You cannot receive tax credits for childcare unless you are both working over 16 hours

SleeplessDave

My wife earns £20k or so, 37 hours a week. Our child is in crèche 3 days a week and has been for the past few months, I have her two week days and worked the other five until a two weeks ago. I'd have no problem with being an at home dad but we can't really afford it, the child care is £560 a month. With our outgoings (everything cut to the bone except baby stuff) we're still short, so I need to get into work sooner rather than later.

I haven't made a claim for anything so far, to be honest I was hoping not to have to and a little ashamed. I don't WANT to be on benefits at all but obviously I need to put something on the table in the short term

SleeplessDave

Am I going to wasting my time going to the benefits office tomorrow?

Dunroamin

SleeplessDave wrote: »

My wife earns £20k or so, 37 hours a week. Our child is in crèche 3 days a week and has been for the past few months, I have her two week days and worked the other five until a two weeks ago. I'd have no problem with being an at home dad but we can't really afford it, the child care is £560 a month. With our outgoings (everything cut to the bone except baby stuff) we're still short, so I need to get into work sooner rather than later.

I haven't made a claim for anything so far, to be honest I was hoping not to have to and a little ashamed. I don't WANT to be on benefits at all but obviously I need to put something on the table in the short term

But you won't be paying £560 per month if you're a SAHP.

dseventy

Dunroamin wrote: »

But you won't be paying £560 per month if you're a SAHP.

Which is more than JSA!

D70