Am I able to get financial support?

Tink_04

I finished work last year to go to college. I was getting financial help from college whilst I was in education (small amount for travel and food). The course has now finished (5th May) although we haven’t been attending since lockdown. I have no income other than my husbands wage and I cannot get a job as I am shielding, I have tried to get some work from home type job but I have been unsuccessful.

I doubt I would be able to sign on as I left my job voluntarily last year and I was hoping to get work in the care sector after my course had finished. Due to medical conditions and what is going on I can’t as of yet. 

Does anyone know if I will be able to get some financial support or is it just unfortunate the way things have worked out? I have 2 children and only receive CB so don’t have any idea about the system.

thanks

Tink

tomtom256

Have you been unemployed for more than 13 weeks? If so you can claim benefits, as 13 weeks is the normal length of time of a sanction, should one be applied for voluntryu leaving work.

You could also look at UC as a couple.

[Deleted User]

 You might be entitled to universal credit depending on your husband's income and any savings you have. 

https://benefits-calculator.turn2us.org.uk/AboutYou

Tink_04

Yes over 13 weeks but I would have been classed as a student.

Husband works full time and has a decent wage. 

We never have enough to be rich but always earn just over to be eligible for most things.

is there somewhere I can look at to see if we qualify for anything as don’t want to ring places asking as know it’s really difficult to get through to claims lines etc?

i have a disability and get the lowest rate of PIP too. 

poppy12345

It will be Universal Credit as a couple and you should put all your details into a benefits calculator to see if you're eligible.

Or new style JSA providing you've paid enough NI contributions from working in tax years April 2017 to March 2019. Other than that there's nothing else you could claim. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-style-jobseekers-allowance

calcotti

Tink_04 said:

is there somewhere I can look at to see if we qualify for anything as don’t want to ring places asking as know it’s really difficult to get through to claims lines etc?

i have a disability and get the lowest rate of PIP too. 

Try a calculator as suggested by shel in the second reply to your question. More here https://www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators

When you say lowest rate PIP do you mean Daily Living component or Mobility component? If Daily Living your partner would be entitled to Carer’s element in any UC calculation. 

Rubyroobs

It is unlikely you would qualify for contributions based benefits as you have not worked in the past 2-3 years. So the only benefit available to you would be Universal credit and this would depend on your circumstances , whether you pay rent, your ages, number of children and your partners monthly net income. I assume you do not already claim tax credits?

Tink_04

Sorry just to clear it up.

i have worked for 20+ years until last Dec. I stopped work to attend college and change my career. My husband works full time. I have a disability and claim PIP (not mobility) and CB for 2 school age children.

sorry it’s so confusing - just I have never claimed anything before and now find myself unable to get a job as I am shielding.

poppy12345

You say you shielding, did you have the NHS letter advising you to shield?

Tink_04

Yes poppy I have.

Tink_04

I’ve looked at the calculations and it’s so confusing? I think I will have to find someone I can speak to as it’s a complicated situation. I think they make it this hard so you give in!