So confused about what benefits I could get. Please help!

[Water_Melon]

I have tried to find a simple list stating every benefit availble but I can't and the goverment website is seriously confusing to me.

I had my baby over a week ago and don't have any other children, so never had to do this before.

Basically I used to work full time. I am currently am on maternity leave but plan on being a full time mum after this... so eventually I will bring zero money into the house.

My OH works full time. Earns £14,000 but with the bonus he earns, that could get up to £17,000 - £18,000 (before tax)

We currently rent a flat. Private landlord.

Do you think we'll be entitled to anything?

The only thing we have sent off for is the standard child benefit form yesterday.

Thanks if you can help

 

[kat1988]

I'm looking into this atm as well it's really confusing but judging on your partners income you may be able to get some help, it depends on lots of things tho like any debts you both have any other income to name a couple, get an appointment to see someone through your local job centre (this may take numerous phone calls and bugging) but you can get a rough idea by using the calculator on the direct.gov website
I'm assuming your getting some kind of maternity pay so u may not be entitled to anything untill that stops, so either way check again when that's nearly over
I would start by checking housing and council tax benefit (which helps pay for rent and council tax) income support (extra money for those on low incomes)
hope that helps a little, let me know how you get on and if you find anything else
xx

 

[Loula]

your other hald may be entitled to working tax credits n look into child tax credits x

 

[Kirstieplus1]

Try entitledto.co.uk I found it really helpful and accurate

 

[littlemonkey]

No one one in the job centre etc will actually tell you everything you are entitled to! Try going to CAB or if you an afford an appointment with an independent financial advisior - my mum found one very helpful with benefits and state pension entitlements etc when she retired.

 

[sarahmc89]

I agree going to or calling someone at CAB they will go over everything you earn/bring into the household in relation to outgoings etc and will be able to tell you what benefits you can claim. They wont be able to tell you how much you will get but at least knowing which forms to fill in and avoiding the ones that are pointless is good to know. I think the only thing you could possibly get is Working tax/child tax credits. Have you applied for the Maternity Grant of £500? Im not sure if you can apply for this, but I think I remember reading everyone was entitled to apply for it...

 

[Bobbiex]

im very confused too on this section... but im pretty sure as my OH earns £25,000 + bonus, im entitled to bugger all... its a horrible feeling as i like to be independent with my own earnings.
I also think its unfair as what ever you earn.... still means you will struggle

 

[LucyB.]

try the benefits advisor on the directgov website x

 

[tambo1976]

You will definitely be entitled to child tax credit and working tax credit. Working tax credit will be in your OH's name as he is the one working. Also you might get help with your rent, mention to them you now have an extra little person living with you and they will calculate to see if you can get any housing benefit xxx