Are we claiming the benefits we should be?

Question

my husband and i live together and have 2 kids we live in a council house hubby works im currently at home as my eldest is 3 youngest 1.. we get working tax child tax and child benefit... i was just wondering if there is any more help we could get. Its so frustrating that people seem to be having the kids and not working ever not trying to be a family and have everything handed to them yet we have to struggle just because we want to be a real family... for example both my nieghbours have kids dont work the houses are reduced rent and tax and claim just loads go on hols etc... and before yu start with i should work i made the decision to have my kids i feel its up to me to bring them up once they are at nursery i will work.

Answer 1

The Department for Work & Pensions may be able to help you identify any further benefits you may be entitled to.

see www.dwp.gov.uk

Answer 2

You might qualify for rent and council tax benefit. Apply at your local authority's office.

Also keep Tax credits up to date as soon as you can with any changes. That way youll avoid an overpayment. go to the CAB who can check if youre getting the tax credits you should get.

Also depending on what work your husband does, check what he can claim in tax relief for work clothes, laundering work clothes, and other stuff. You should be able to find this on tax aid website.

Answer 3

First of all, congrats on being a family, i know its tough on you financially but it great for your kids, to see mum and dad under one roof.

Your local CAB will help to find out if you qualify for any help, let them do it all for you, they know the short-cuts and they pay for the phone calls, too, saving you time and money.

There is nothing worse, than knowing that other people get everything for doing nothing

Good luck, i hope you can get some help.

Answer 4

Just remember one thing. You and your husband have got your self-respect. You shouldn't have to go to work. what is disgraceful is that you get no additional tax relief because you are a respectable married couple and your taxes and council tax are so high so that the state can subsidise those that won't work for their living. No woman with a husband and young children should be expected to work. You have made the right choice.

Best of luck.

Answer 5

You appear to be getting everything you are entitled to at the moment i.e CTC and Child Benefit

Answer 6

Jeez, do some people never consider actually having a career first, and then kids?  Family members of mine have managed their lives in such a manner, and have been able to give their children every support and help.  The result?  Two first-class Honours graduates, one  from Oxford,  and one from Cambridge.  All made easier, because their parents made something of themselves, before they cranked out more depressingly-average humans.  

     Oh, and for pity's sake, teach them good punctuation.