... but what am I entitled to?

p4ullelujah

Hello there,

I'm new to these forums but I've had a look around and it seems like the place to get the answers I need (why I didn't think of this before I don't know). I need to know what benefit payments and help/support I can get for my little family and I.

My details;
I am 25 and I work as a delivery driver for Dominos, between 15 and 20 hours a week roughly. However, I am not guaranteed any hours at all, as it depends on whether the store is busy or not. It pays minimum wage. This isn't going to be something permanent for me and hopefully I have a few things in the pipeline to get fulltime and well paid employment again.
My partner, who I live with in our private rented property, doesn't work as she looks after our 8 month old son.

So far, we are claiming Child Tax Credit and Child Benefit. My questions are regarding Income Support and/or Working Tax Credit. So far, no one wants to point us in the right direction and I've been informed from different parties that I am entitled to one or the other, or neither.

Help!

p4ullelujah

Ok, so unless I can find more hours at work I cannot claim Working Tax Credit. What systems are in place to support people like me? At the moment, we cannot afford to buy food or electricity... How does income support work?

shop-to-drop

Why doesn't OH start looking for work too? Surely she could manage at least some hours around yours. If she is job seeking you may be entitled to more benefits straight away and when she get some work that will most certainly help your families financial situation with an increase in earned income and possibly increased benefits too.

pmlindyloo

Basically you need to up your hours to 24 in order to be able to claim working tax credits. Could you get a part time job in a bar/restaurant until you find full time employment?

You may also be entitled to Housing Benefit and Council Tax support.

Put your details into the calculator here:

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/family/benefits-check

to find out your entitlements.

cazz2013

I know you requested information regarding WTC and income support - but with low income and private renting you might be entitled to some housing benefit towards your housing costs. There are some real experts on here who would be able to give further advice. Good luck.

Indie_Kid

cazz2013 wrote: »

I know you requested information regarding WTC and income support - but with low income and private renting you might be entitled to some housing benefit towards your housing costs. There are some real experts on here who would be able to give further advice. Good luck.

Council tax support might be another option too.