Feel so sick...any advice appreciated

[danapeter36]

Well some of you know we had a failed move to Canada just before we got pregnant. We lost a lot of money including all our savings and had to take out a loan to buy furniture and find somewhere to rent. We found a house we loved, and my hubby who's been depressed in the past was finally happy with where we were living. His confidence grew and grew and his depression melted away. We knew that my maternity leave would be hard but we had faith that my maternity pay and benefits would be enough to cover our rent.

Well it wasn't but we relied on what was left of the loan to help us. Only problem is, that money is running out. A week before I gave birth my husband got ill with vertigo, a long term health problem he has, and was off work for 3 weeks. He doesn't get sick pay.

We applied for benefits but because I was earning £18,000 before I went on leave, they will give us nothing. Even though my husband only earns £14,000 and works a long week. The only option right now, is go on the council list or go back to work and even then we'd still struggle.
Alayna is just 6 weeks old, I can't bear leaving her! Not now!

 

[Emmylou27]

Hi Dana

Sorry you're having issues and I hope your hubby is feeling better?

When I called the Benefits line to get my tax credit forms, they went through the eligability on the phone - taking my hubby and my earnings from 2008-2009 into account we're entitled to not a great deal. He asked though what my projected earnings would be for the coming year because if it's lower they'll use that when calculating tax credits instead.

Basically, they've sent the forms and you fill them in with last years income and send back. When you recieve your awards notice it asks if anything will change in this financial year - at that point I'm to phone them up and give my projected earnings then they'll adjust my award accordingly and voila, a bit more cash.

Don't know if this will help you or not but I'm finding the whole benefit thing a complete minefield.

xx

 

[danapeter36]

I am too. It seems if you've worked in the past or you're on maternity leave etc they just give so little help to parents.

 

[nataliecn]

I really hope you figure out a way to get some benefits so that you don't have to go back so soon!

 

[Jemma_x]

Hun did you know that if your hubby is off sick but does not recieve sick pay then he can claim employment and support allowance, sorry i cant be if much help