Short term help

sprinkly_2

Hi guys,

My husband has broken his leg will be off work about 3 months or so, he works full time but just getting SSP at the moment, so no wages.

I work 30 hours a week, earn just under £16,000.

Can we claim anything just for a few months? We have a 5 year old also.

We don't normally qualify for anything except child benefit.

Thank you

pmlindyloo

The only things I can think of are housing benefit and council tax support based on a low income.

Put the figures into the calculator on https://www.entitledto.co.uk to check.

if you have a mortgage then there is no help - you need to be on an income based benefit such as ESA/JSA - neither of which he is eligible for as he is receiving SSP.

So, a few ideas to help you through?

Have you got mortgage protection insurance (often taken out and forgotten about!)

Ring your lender and ask about a payment holiday/interest only/extend term.

See if OH can take some holiday during this time so getting holiday pay.

Telephone any creditors, explain the situation and ask to pay a reduced amount for a while.

See if you can get a cheap, agreed bank overdraft. (Better than being charges huge overdraft fees)

See if you are in credit with the utility companies and ask for a refund.

Sell anything you don't want.

And most importantly, read some of the threads on here about money saving, particularly regards the food bill. Lots of good advice on how to live on very little.

sprinkly_2

Thank you very much, we do have a mortgage but will check out interest only.

We're being very carful and I think this is just the best thing for a few months.

Thank you

ohreally

Are either of you union members, union may be able to assist.