Can I apply for any benefits, should I ask for Furlough

kimaryp

At the beginning of February, I contracted a respiratory virus, after being off sick for nearly a month with the virus, and still feeling unwell, I had a bereavement in my family, but was under pressure to return to work. Feeling overwhelmed (as I am also currently going through a separation), I handed in my notice, as I knew that I would not be able to fulfill my work duties. I planned to take a couple of months off working to fully recover, and also to take some bereavement time, and sort myself out, with a plan to return to working in May for an agency till I could find something more permanent.  I left the company on 7th March, obviously I had not anticipated how we would be hit with the covid situation.  I have approached my previous employer, and explained my situation, they said that they will have some temporary positions coming up soon, and that they will let me know as soon as they come available. that was about 10 days ago, which is great. however, in the meantime, I was wondering, whether, there is anything I should/could apply for in the interim, such as benefits, or should/can I ask if they can Furlough me, as I was still on their payroll until 7th March.

bradders1983

You can ask. You may not get.

calcotti

If needed look at eligibility for Universal Credit https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/universal-credit/. 

There are online calculators to help you assess entitlement  https://www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators

Be aware that claiming UC will end any Tax Credits, Housing Benefit or other means tested benefits you currently get.

You will be excluded from UC if you have savings over £16,000.

If you are part of a couple you both have to claim and assessed on your joint circumstances.

You may also be able to claim Council Tax Reduction from your local council.

kimaryp

Thank you for your replies, I have looked at the UC website and I am unclear as to what I would get (it seems quite complicated) I am living in a rented house with my son, as I have recently separated from my husband, my name is not on the lease, I am wondering if I still qualify for any benefit, as it doesn't seem clear to me on the UC website. 

Hermann

kimaryp said:

Thank you for your replies, I have looked at the UC website and I am unclear as to what I would get (it seems quite complicated) I am living in a rented house with my son, as I have recently separated from my husband, my name is not on the lease, I am wondering if I still qualify for any benefit, as it doesn't seem clear to me on the UC website. 

Use the calculators that are linked to on the government website, they will give you an indication.

poppy12345

If you're privately renting your home then you will need a tenancy agreement to be able to claim the housing element of UC.

sharpe106

When were the temporary jobs going to start?    

calcotti

kimaryp said:

Thank you for your replies, I have looked at the UC website and I am unclear as to what I would get (it seems quite complicated) I am living in a rented house with my son, as I have recently separated from my husband, my name is not on the lease, I am wondering if I still qualify for any benefit, as it doesn't seem clear to me on the UC website. 

That’s why I gave you a link to benefit calculators to help you assess entitlement in my previous post.
You would get a standard single person allowance, a housing element (to help with rent) and a child element (assuming your son is a dependant child, not an adult).

kimaryp

My son is an adult and is working, so am assuming i will only get a single persons allowance then. Regarding the temporary jobs, I have been told that they will be contacting me soon. 

poppy12345

kimaryp said:

My son is an adult and is working, so am assuming i will only get a single persons allowance then. Regarding the temporary jobs, I have been told that they will be contacting me soon. 

You would claim as a single person. Did you actually use the benefits calculator link that was posted above?

calcotti

kimaryp said:

My son is an adult and is working, so am assuming i will only get a single persons allowance then. Regarding the temporary jobs, I have been told that they will be contacting me soon. 

Plus the housing element to help with rent, as previously advised (assuming the tenancy is in your name).