what can we claim?

[lilacben]

My husband was made redundent at 58 in May, this year. He has had a job for the past three months but only works two days a week. total of 16 hours. Can we claim anything to help pay for council tax ect.We still have a small mortage that will not be paid for another five years or so.And have lived off his redundency money until now to make up for the lose of week wage. Any help would be gratefully recieved. many thanks

[Ethel]

If you have savings of �16000 or more between you you probably are entitled to nothing.

Your husband may be able to claim income tax credits:

http://www.taxcredits.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/Qua lify/WhatAreTaxCredits.aspx

If not you may be eligible for council tax benefit and / or some form of income support .

http://www.dwp.gov.uk/lifeevent/workage/wa_man aging_on_a_low_income.asp

If you don't claim, you don't get. But be prepared for some horrendously intrusive questions on extremely long forms.

[Ethel]

Sorry - I made a mistake in the above answer. Tax credits and council tax benefits and income support are seperate things.

You may be entitled to some, all or none.

[themas]

Tax credits and Council Tax Benefit - yes, possibly. Income Support - no as he is working 16 hrs p wk.

All benefit assessments will be based on your joint incomes (if you are working as well). If the joint savings are >�16K you will definitely not get Council Tax Benefit, but could possibly still get Tax Credit.