Wife has passed away, Joint tax credits cancelled now have to claim UC|

Andyph

Afternoon all,

Just after some advice / support please. Back in July my wife was diagnosed with terminal cancer, we have 2 kids under 8 so i have been off work to look after them and my wife. I was paid full pay till mid oct and since then been on SSP.

My wife passed away on the 22nd December, today i received a letter saying that our joint claim is cancelled and that i know need to claim UC in my name, also need to claim Child benefit as that was in my wife's name as well.

I am unable to go back to my full time job due to the hours and being able to look after my boys - i am currently signed of sick and will probably signed off again for a while longer. I intend to try get a part time job in school hours.

So as it stands i have, i believe been told i am not going to get anymore housing benefit / child tax credit so this month all i am going to get is my SSP until my UC is sorted?


to add to this my earnings for this year were going to be £26500, as it stands know i will not earn over £17000

Any advice will be greatfuly received

pmlindyloo

Sorry for your loss.

Have you checked to see if you are eligible for bereavement support payment?

See here

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/bereavement/claiming-bereavement-support-payment/

I strongly advise you to seek some advice from CAB or a welfare advisor to check and support you with your benefit claims.

Rich2808

i do think there ought to be a system whereby following a bereavement of a spouse or partner - particularly if you have kids under 16 - all existing benefits continue say for at least two months as a transitional measure,

In Ireland you get at least six weeks transition - to tide you over the funeral and the first few weeks. And also allows time to apply for your revised entitlements.

It just seems overly brutal.

I would seek advice OP from the CAB to ensure you are claiming all you should get. Check entitled to and other advisory websites as well. And good luck.