HELP! can I claim any help?

helliesin

I have just found out that after working full time in the same job for 9 years I have been redundant, with no redundancy pay out as they are offering me alternatives. The first one is completely impractical for me- the other side of London and would mean a 12 hour day, the second is a reduction of hours to 15 hours a week to stay at my current place of work in a slightly different job.

I am a single parent with 2 children (7 and 4), I own my house with a mortgage.

I am going to take the 15 hours that I am offered at my usual place of work, which will only give me around £550pm, and look for something else- either to make up the other 21 hours a week, or a new full time job.

In the mean time, will I be entitled to anything?

I am currently going through a court battle with my ex partner regarding child contact and am paying my solicitor around £200 a month! I am panicking about being able to afford this now, as well as the mortgage, bills, and everything else.

Any advice greatly appreciated!

BigAunty

You can double check your benefits on the Turn2us online benefit calculator which may detail the child tax credits, perhaps council tax benefit, on top of the child benefit you get. Not aware of anything else you may be entitled to.

Lone parents must work 16 hours per week to qualify for working tax credits - it's a shame your employers can't give you an extra hour as if you model this on that calculator, you should see that you would be much better off.

The Shelter website has good info for homeowners who are struggling to pay the mortgage and how to avoid repossession.