Whats the score

Dean1969

Trying to work the system out HA HA,
Recent widowed father of 2 girls and I have been laid off work.
I currently get widowed parents allowance and own my house outright and have savings.
Problem starts, I wasn't entitled to CTC last year as my income was too high. Spoke to the HMRC and they want to know my income for this year.
I was used to travelling all over with my job with my wife looking after the kids but now unable to do this so I need a local job and I have no clue to when such a job may arise so no idea of what salary to expect.
Am I going to have to use my savings before I'm entitled to anything. tried using benefit calculation websites and they say £117pw, is this right??


Any help/advice appreciated

[Deleted User]

Well first thing is to sign on for JSA your savings won't affect that for 6 months as it will be contribution based.
Sorry for your loss x

HB58

Dean, I am sorry for your loss. I can understand that your world must have been turned upside down and this is just one more thing to battle through.

Other than claiming JSA, as above, I'm afraid I can't suggest anything else. However, there are some very knowledgeable people on this forum and I'm sure someone will be along soon.

I hope your personal situation will keep the unhelpful ones quiet!

Ames

I think one thing that could affect answers is how old your girls are?

pmlindyloo

I believe that contribution base JSA and Widowed Parent's Allowance are overlapping benefits and which ever is the highest amount would be paid .

http://www.entitledto.co.uk/help/Overlapping-benefits

How much are you getting from your WPA?

Child tax credits are possible but be sure to let them know when you get a job as you won't want an overpayment.

Dean1969

WPA allowance is £129.61,
The website you linked to does say I'm not entitled to JSA when I put my details in.
Where next? Just had a payment of £31 from W&C tax, awaiting paperwork to see what this totals from

pmlindyloo

Dean1969 wrote: »

WPA allowance is £129.61,
The website you linked to does say I'm not entitled to JSA when I put my details in.
Where next? Just had a payment of £31 from W&C tax, awaiting paperwork to see what this totals from

Do you have savings over £16000?

You own your own home so no housing benefit or housing costs.

You would be entitled to the single person's discount on your council tax so notify the council of a change of circumstances.

If your savings are less than £16000 then you may be eligible for council tax reduction.

If you can estimate your earnings for this tax year then do so and claim child tax credits.

You can claim child benefit if you were not previously entitled to it. Notify of a change of circumstances if this was being paid into your late wife's bank account.

How old are the children? Would you be able to get a full time job and find child care? (child care help is available through tax credits)

This must be a difficult time for you so depending on the age of your children you may wish to live off your savings for a while and then consider getting a job later.

You could 'play around' with the benefit calculator on https://www.entitled to.co.uk putting in different scenarios to see what help you would get.

Dean1969

Savings under £16k and already getting the child benefit, this was all done virtually automatically when my wife passed away.
Problem I have is my area of work is rather specialised so I'm looking at a change of career hence I have no idea what my annual income will be for this year.
Going to wait for the paperwork to come through & speak to tax office then
Looks like best option is to live off my saving until something comes up.

pmlindyloo

Dean1969 wrote: »

Savings under £16k and already getting the child benefit, this was all done virtually automatically when my wife passed away.
Problem I have is my area of work is rather specialised so I'm looking at a change of career hence I have no idea what my annual income will be for this year.
Going to wait for the paperwork to come through & speak to tax office then
Looks like best option is to live off my saving until something comes up.

If you have savings under £16000 then you can apply for council tax reduction.

You will need a form from the council or look on their website and see if you can apply online.

I am assuming that both your children are in full time education?

Every little bit helps (as they say)

pmlindyloo

Did you get the bereavement Payment?

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/bereavement/benefits-and-bereavement/

Dean1969

Yes, also get 25% discount already on my council tax