Can I claim Income Support?

princessemi · #1 (**permalink**) 12-05-11, 00:13

Hello

Need some advice please
I have been working for the past 5 years as a self employed with my own small "business" , I have had 2 kids whilst working who are now 4.5 and nearly 1.5
Ive had a family member looking after my kids while I was working , this person has sadly passed away and I no longer have anyone to help me
I cant afford full time nursery or nanny , I have no other help on hand
I am forced to stay home for a while till I sort something out
My question is can I claim Income Support (sorry not sure what the correct name is ? (because I am a lone parent) while not working and looking after my children ?
Dont get me wrong I really do not like the idea of living on benefits but at the moment in my current position I have no other choice , money is very tight since I am not working , If it wasnt for my kids I wouldnt ask for any help
Am I entitled to any help at all ? I currently receive Child Benefit/Child Tax Credits,
Sorry just to add I pay my own rent (£500 per month for a 1 bed flat) and Council tax bill hence money is very tight

Thank you all , have a good nite x

EvansMum · #2 (**permalink**) 12-05-11, 19:44

Hi, I was in your situation a while back. I was working 16hrs a week and my son was being looked after my my ex's mum but then due to circumstances my son stopped going there and I had to give up work!

You should be able to claim income support as you are a lone parent and you are not working. Ring the Jobcentre helpline and you should be able to apply over the phone. You should be able to claim council tax and housing benefit too. I was in a privately rented house when me and my other half split up. The rent was £400 a month and I had that and my council tax paid for. Ring your local council or pop in and get the froms for them xxx

princessemi · #3 (**permalink**) 15-05-11, 23:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by EvansMum

Hi, I was in your situation a while back. I was working 16hrs a week and my son was being looked after my my ex's mum but then due to circumstances my son stopped going there and I had to give up work!

You should be able to claim income support as you are a lone parent and you are not working. Ring the Jobcentre helpline and you should be able to apply over the phone. You should be able to claim council tax and housing benefit too. I was in a privately rented house when me and my other half split up. The rent was £400 a month and I had that and my council tax paid for. Ring your local council or pop in and get the froms for them xxx

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR ANSWER ,VERY GOOD INFO :-)
Do you know what documents do I need to claim Income Support&Housing Benefit? How long does it take to proceed my application?
Do I just print off the forms and send them ?
I am renting from a private tenant , what chance do I have to actually qualify for Income Supp&Housing benefit ?

Sorry for so many questions , i am really lost , have nobody to ask those questions

x

EvansMum · #4 (**permalink**) 16-05-11, 07:47

Ermmmm to be honest I cant really remember what documents you need. For income support I guess it would maybe be child tax credits forms? Give the jobcentre a ring. All the info is here I just applied over the phone for mine and then had follow up appointments at the jobcentre itself.

Housing Benefit and Council tax benefit were a little more tricky. I was privately renting my house through letting agents. You need the forms for that to fill out and you need loads of documents. You will need your tennets contract/aggreement, tax credits info and probably loads of other stuff. Just give your local council a ring and ask them to send the forms out to you and ask them what you need. xxx