Ok so here is the situation.
I am on Maternity Allowance which is due to come to an end in 3 weeks. My partner is on job seekers and not having much luck due to the current work climate.
We are claiming tax credits and we get working tax, as I am on MA, and I called them last time and asked what happened when my MA ended they said to let them know, but nothing should change as its based on last years earnings?
We are not entitled to any housing/council tax benefit as tax credits are too high (apparently). My mum and I have just started our own business, and we are not predicted to make any money for at least a year, so dont plan on declaring that till then, seems pointless.
So thats the situation, basically what happens when maternity allowance ends? do I have to go onto jobseekers? then what happens after that period? and as its a joint claim for me and my partner we will only get £100 a week between us, that coupled with child benefit and tax credits, will cover the bills, but leave us with £30 a week to feed us and baby! Is there something I am missing here? how are we supposed to live of that for 3 of us? that doesnt even include council tax, as I am hoping we wont have to pay it when MA ends.
Hope this makes sense, sorry its long! was going to call CAB but they have told me wrong info in the past, and any help is much appreciated, I know how complicated the benefits system is so any help from someone in the know would be great, as it seems like I am in a bit of a catch 22 situation.
I am on Maternity Allowance which is due to come to an end in 3 weeks. My partner is on job seekers and not having much luck due to the current work climate.
We are claiming tax credits and we get working tax, as I am on MA, and I called them last time and asked what happened when my MA ended they said to let them know, but nothing should change as its based on last years earnings?
We are not entitled to any housing/council tax benefit as tax credits are too high (apparently). My mum and I have just started our own business, and we are not predicted to make any money for at least a year, so dont plan on declaring that till then, seems pointless.
So thats the situation, basically what happens when maternity allowance ends? do I have to go onto jobseekers? then what happens after that period? and as its a joint claim for me and my partner we will only get £100 a week between us, that coupled with child benefit and tax credits, will cover the bills, but leave us with £30 a week to feed us and baby! Is there something I am missing here? how are we supposed to live of that for 3 of us? that doesnt even include council tax, as I am hoping we wont have to pay it when MA ends.
Hope this makes sense, sorry its long! was going to call CAB but they have told me wrong info in the past, and any help is much appreciated, I know how complicated the benefits system is so any help from someone in the know would be great, as it seems like I am in a bit of a catch 22 situation.
