What else can I claim?

DF52

Hi
First time poster so I hope it is the correct forum - mods please move if necessary.

I am retired and my wife, although now 65, was made redundant last New Year's Eve
but cannot claim her state pension until next April.

We applied for housing and council tax benefits around six months ago and we receive
these in the normal way - i was in receipt of a letter re changes as of last May but was told if
our circumstances hadn't changed then nothing else will.

At the time, I/we was informed by the local benefits office that due to our circumstances
we were probably due other entitlements but in time honoured fashion, the powers that
be are never forthcoming with the information and let you do the donkey work.

Has anyone got any ideas as to what we might be able to claim?

I receive two small private pensions, which were both declared so any info re further
possible claims would be gratefully received.

DF

[Deleted User]

Hi,


try this Benefits Calculator and if you have a Citizens Advice Bureau near you have a chat with them.

calcotti

How old are you? Do you or your wife have any medical conditions that impact your ability to do things? Do you have any savings? How much income do you get from your pensions?

Without more information it’s hard to advise. As previous poster suggested a visit to a local advice agency may be best.

I am surprised you were able to claim Housing Benefit in the last 6 months unless you are already of state pension age.

calcotti

Expanding my earlier post.

If you are over state pension age yourself you would previously have been eligible for Pension Credit (whether or not you would have received anything would depend on your income and savings). However the rules for 'mixed age couples' have changed and as of yesterday a mixed age couple can no longer apply for Pension Credit.

Even if you are a mixed age couple you are therefore now in the same position as a couple who are both below pension age.

There are really only three benefits to consider:

New style JSA. If your wife has a complete NI record from April 2016 to March 2018 she can apply for this. It is not means tested. She will be required to look for work and will be paid£73.10/week for a maximum of 26 weeks.

New style ESA. If your wife has a Fit Note from her GP saying she is not fit for work and has a complete NI record from April 2016 to March 2018 she can apply for this. It is not means tested. After applying she will be assessed by the DWP to see if she can continue to receive it. Initially she would get £73.10/week but if found to have Limited Capability for Work and Work Related Activity this would rise to £111.65 after 13 weeks.

Universal Credit which is a means tested benefit for people on a low income. You would both have to apply and entitlement would be based on your joint income and savings. If you apply for UC your Housing Benefit claim would be closed and help with rent would instead come through UC. If you consider this I strongly recommend you get an advice agency to do calculations for you before applying, to see whether it is worthwhile. Alternatively use an online benefits calculator (but these can be confusing).