When things hit rock bottom the only answer is to fight the way back up...

Eager_Elephant

I mentioned a couple of weeks ago to claim Income Support as your youngest is under 5 - you can either ring to make a claim or complete a form which has to be printed off.
I wouldn't claim JSA as it will be too onerous for the next month whereas Income Support you don't actually have to do much to get it apart from apply!!

You can claim Housing and Council Tax benefit via your local council (they might have a form on the website) and you don't need to have Income Support to claim them.

Doobop

Wasn't sure how old your youngest is, income support in that case. The claim will go through quicker if you ring rather than do a form, be prepared for a 30-40 minute call (get ceebeebees on!) When do do your income support claim you can apply for housing benefit and council tax benefit all in the same claim. Looked up the number for you 0800 055 6688. If the call isn't free on your mobile etc ask them to call you back.

Toni'sfriend

That sounds like really good advice from EE and Doobop. They obviously know what the're talking about. Hope the wee one is ok.

Hiddenidenity

I have called income support and made a claim. I should receive text updates about the claim. She did a check first and said this was the right thing to claim and just end it as soon as I start work. I rang straight away at 8am and haven't long been off the phone. They called back because they could see I was ringing from a mobile! A lot nicer than I expected them to be She has sent the forms for housing but has said to call them and tell them about the IS claim because if they have sent the firm to complete asking how I'll support myself on a nil income the claim would still be 'open' so just going to feed the smalls breakfast and make a coffee and then call them.


Thank you for all your help.

pennywisepoundstupid

Well done on making the call, hope you a great day.x.

Toni'sfriend

That's really good news, Hidden. Did you every get anywhere with the allowance for your daughter (can't remember what it was called)? Last thing I remember was that the consultant had to let them have some information.

[Deleted User]

That's great news HI

Have a lovely day x

moneymanager

Morning Hidden, wow alot has happened since yesterday. Firstly well done for making the diary of the week on Martin's emails. I'll have to go and have a wee look.

I did not realise that you were not claiming any benefits at all. How have you been living? All the girls gave you excellent advise and well done for sorting out the income support. You are definitely entitled even if you are starting work soon, no one can have a nil income. I am not sure about the benefit system and I am not sure if it differs from the benefit system in Northern Ireland but check to see what benefits you would still be entitled to when you are working. I know in NI there is something about working a certain amount of hours and not affecting benefits but I am not 100% sure on that.

I'd say you will still be entitled to Housing Benefits (sorry we don't pay Council Tax here, just rates and that is for home owners). I remember applying for Housing Benefit when DH was out of work but unfortunately I would not entitled because of my income but if you are working only part time you will still be entitled to that.

Can you not just ring CAB and speak to someone over the phone? The only time I had to deal with CAB I did it that way but it was just a straight forward question I had to ask them so maybe that was why.

Hiddenidenity

I feel so tired and a bit fed up today nothing much else will be done. Lazy day, the weathers still shocking, the kids have loads to keep them entertained. Food will be 'ready meals' or something easy. Think DS still has some sausage casserole in the freezer and DD will probably choose one of her pies.


I haven't heard back about daughters DLA maybe I'll call and chase that its been what feels like ages!

EssexHebridean

Definitely keep chasing on the DLA for your daughter - and well done on putting a claim in for whatever else you're entitled to as well - you can't live on air you know! Absolutely the right thing to do to claim - things like the housing and council tax benefit you'll possibly continue to get once you're working as well due to the low income. Once you have a claim in the system though it's much easier to get things sorted ongoing.