benefits

[1940sfan]

can anyone tell me the amount in benefits a couple with no dependents are suppose to live on, i feel i'm being given the run around. kind regards

[gbhxu]

Sorry, I don't know the exact figures, but it depends how old you are.

I know that this sounds daft, but it's true.

[1940sfan]

hi, my husband is 56yrs and i;m 43 yrs, we get esa £79.00P and industrial injuries benefit which is mine at £31.63p in total £111.00 a week does this sound right

[gbhxu]

There are others about if I'm wrong, but I think you're 45p short.

These are the figures I've found. How the hell they get such miniscule amounts I don't know.

The value of your personal allowance is the starting point for calculating Income Support. You get one personal allowance, which is based on your age and whether or not you have a partner. The 2012-13 personal allowances are:
Single person under 25: £56.25
Single person 25 or over: £71.00
Lone parent under 18: £56.25
Lone parent 18 or over: £71.00
Couple, both under 18 (or one under 18 and one under 25): £56.25
Higher rate if you have a child: £84.95
Couple, one under 18, one 18 or over: £71.00
Couple, both 18 or over: £111.45

[1940sfan]

thanks, you see the problem is, me and my husband have always worked full time, my husband become ill in dec 11 and cut a long story short, he was finished from work on the grounds of ill health in april, i was self employed but due to a works injury in my last job, i to ended you on esa in dec 11 but lost my appeal and deemed fit to work ( its a joke ) after many phone calls telling us different things, ( apply for esa rang them, no you need jsa rang back ect ect ) so because we have never been on benefits were finding it hard to understood or what we are entitled to. i am on my husbands esa claim but dont get any money only my IIDB but if i'm fit for work shouldn't i be signing on or visiting the job centre. when i rang again today she said i should be claiming separately but i was told no last time can anyone help i'm so confused, i keep saying how the hell do the elderly and ill cope with this

[gbhxu]

thanks, you see the problem is, me and my husband have always worked full time, my husband become ill in dec 11 and cut a long story short, he was finished from work on the grounds of ill health in april, i was self employed but due to a works injury in my last job, i to ended you on esa in dec 11 but lost my appeal and deemed fit to work ( its a joke ) after many phone calls telling us different things, ( apply for esa rang them, no you need jsa rang back ect ect ) so because we have never been on benefits were finding it hard to understood or what we are entitled to. i am on my husbands esa claim but dont get any money only my IIDB but if i'm fit for work shouldn't i be signing on or visiting the job centre. when i rang again today she said i should be claiming separately but i was told no last time can anyone help i'm so confused, i keep saying how the hell do the elderly and ill cope with this

The only good thing about being old and of pensionable age as a couple you would be that you would be getting a minimum income of £217.90 a week.

I've never understood why amounts vary according to age.

[Stepheninleeds]

Could either of you be entitled to DLA, Income Support, etc? I would seek advice from the CAB or a local Welfare group. There could be other benefits you could get. It is all linked to one another, you get A if you get C, but you cannot get C unless you get B, you cannot get B unless you are 197 & have green hair.....

[davewhit]

The only good thing about being old and of pensionable age as a couple you would be that you would be getting a minimum income of £217.90 a week.

I've never understood why amounts vary according to age.

there has always been less benefits paid to younger people why when someone still at home just left school get the same dole as a man married with 2 kids ?

[Duncan]

thanks, you see the problem is, me and my husband have always worked full time, my husband become ill in dec 11 and cut a long story short, he was finished from work on the grounds of ill health in april, i was self employed but due to a works injury in my last job, i to ended you on esa in dec 11 but lost my appeal and deemed fit to work ( its a joke ) after many phone calls telling us different things, ( apply for esa rang them, no you need jsa rang back ect ect ) so because we have never been on benefits were finding it hard to understood or what we are entitled to. i am on my husbands esa claim but dont get any money only my IIDB but if i'm fit for work shouldn't i be signing on or visiting the job centre. when i rang again today she said i should be claiming separately but i was told no last time can anyone help i'm so confused, i keep saying how the hell do the elderly and ill cope with this

There would not be any advantage to you signing on as the means tested benefit rate for a couple is £111.45 a week. Your husband should ask about claiming Income Based ESA if your household income is under £111.45 a week and your joint savings are under £6,000.

You can still use the services of the Job Centre if you want to look for work but you will not need to sign on. You could claim Disabled Working Tax Credit yourself if you work at least 16 hours a week. Your IIDB allows you to claim disabled working tax credits and you will still get the IIDB when working.

Have you checked if Disability Living Allowance can be claimed by either of you?

[gbhxu]

there has always been less benefits paid to younger people why when someone still at home just left school get the same dole as a man married with 2 kids ?

I understand why a married man with kids should get more, but I cannot see any reason for any differential between an adults of any age.

But, a young person still at home, cannot get Housing Benefit, but would be expected to pay board and lodge.