Panicking and confused!! Pleaaaase help with advice :)

[xxxjessxxx]

Ok so here's a quick run down...

- OH was made redundant a few months ago (not the best timing in the world but hey!)
- I was working last December when I was pregnant, I did a lot of stuff for a very low wage (120 pounds a week). I started going through my sixth miscarriage then, sort of had a break down - blah blah blah.. and I quit
- However me and OH have seen our advisor and she advised our best option for the moment is to remain unemployed until we get a flat (as we are currrently living at my mothers which is overcrowded and very stressful).
- So we plan to wait until we get a property, then OH finds a job - and me possibly a part time crappy job of some sort

So anyway... we are going to view a property this week but I have quite a few questions!

What benefits will we get once we have moved out?? For us, baby and housing? (We currently have a joint Jobseekers Allowance account).

Do we get help with bills? I honestly have no clue!

And when do they become effective? As obviously when we move in we won't currently have any benefits so what happens then? When will we pay? How long do they take to process? Ahh Im so confused.. please someone help

Thankyou very much xx

 

[xxxjessxxx]

Anyone?
I did try benefits advisor on Direct Gov but didn't help

 

[Chezzz]

you'll get housing benefit, council tax benefit.. when babys here child benefit..
you'll get the sure start maternity grant of £500
but your expected to pay gas & electric out of your jsa x

jsa turns into income support nearer due date. not sure how many weeks though x

 

[xxxjessxxx]

Thanks so much honey!!

I was told about income support BUT they weren't sure because OH, as we have a joint account :/

So housing benefit etc, would that be given in time when obviously bills etc are due? Im just panicking about them expecting money and us not having it

...and do we apply for them through direct gov WHEN we have the place? xx

 

[louisechippy]

ok housing benefit is sorted through your local authrity
you WILL switch to income support at 29 weeks inrelitave that you have a oh. you have to claim for him and then when baby is 11 weeks you move back over to jsa ( or somewhere around 11 weeks )
You should already be getting healthy start vouchers
you will get child benefit and child tax credit
you are entilteled to the sure start maternity as long as this is yours and your ohs first child living at home under 16
No one should pester you for money if you explain most landlords are quite happy to just wait until housing benefit is sorted but keep chasing them as they can be very slow xx

 

[suzib76]

How awful of an 'advisor' to tell you both to remain unemployed until you get a house

Your housing needs are the same irrespective of employment

I would say oh should be out the looking for a job now to make things easier for you all

Is it a council place? Otherwise you will be needing to raise deposit and a months rent upfront which will be really difficult,if it's a council place then you won't have any probs with the rent and housing benefit situation

I would be making a complaint against the idiot that told you to remain unemployed though

 

[xxxjessxxx]

Thanks for your help ladies
I get it now
And OH is looking for work as we know it's hard getting a job so we thought better start now, but he hasn't had any luck anyway xx