Benefits help

chugalongzoe

Hi

I just wondered if anyone can help.

I know a person (male) who has been fighting for custody of his child and his won it but the mother of the child has appealed against it. He doesn't work and has been told that he can't claim any benefits or anything whilst this appeal is going on so he has no money coming in at all to pay the bills.

Is this correct or can he still claim benefits? Also can he get legal aid help for this?

I appreciate any responses.

Zoe

midnight_express

Who is the child living with ?

Troutwrestler

He can't claim benefits for the child if the child still lives with its mother.

Obviously if he's out of work he could claim jsa or if he's too ill to work esa.

I gather legal aid has changed recently meaning its more difficult to get depending if your in england and wales or scotland .I'm sure someone more knowledgable will be along soon

chugalongzoe

Thanks both I'm not sure if the child is living with him.

Pollycat

I think if you're asking for help for this guy you need to know more facts.

You need to know what he means by 'can't claim any benefits'.
Does he - as Troutwrestler says - mean child benefits or other benefits?
I assume he is already in receipt of some sort of benefit if he's not working. Is he saying that he's been told that these benefits will stop whilst the custody appeal is on-going?

How did he fund the appeal for custody?

Has he been to see a solicitor at all?

This link may help with the legal aid question:

https://www.gov.uk/check-legal-aid

midnight_express

He can claim HB and CTB. If he he is available for and seeking work he can claim JSA.