On state pension but wife isnt...

justthe2ofus

We are both likely to lose our part time (12hrs/week x NMW) jobs, I get the SP, wife doesnt for 40 months

The benefit system seems to say we will get very little help

We are tenants, no savings, no other income

Wife may become her mums live in carer 20 miles away

totally confused

poppy123456

Your wife should look into claiming New style JSA if she has the correct NI contributions in the previous 2 tax years and assuming she will be looking for work.

As a mixed aged couple the only other benefit possible to claim is Universal Credit, which is means tested. This means you'll need to claim as a couple. Your state pension will be deducted in full, as well as any other pensions you maybe receiving. If you haven't already, you can put both your details into a benefits calculator.

https://www.entitledto.co.uk/benefits-calculator/

If your wife's becomes her mums live in carer she will need to check how this may affect any benefits she's claiming. To claim carers allowance for looking after her she must be claiming a qualifying disability benefit such as PIP daily living, DLA mid/high rate care or AA.

If her mother currently lives alone and claims Pension Credit this could include the Severe Disability Premium, which would stop if she either lived with her, or claimed Carers allowance for looking after her. This could then stop PC completely, which may affect any other benefits she maybe claiming.

justthe2ofus

Thanks

The calculators ask "worked in the last two years"

But new jsa requires 2 years class1 contributions

But class1 stamp isn't paid under £250/week wages, she's only had 15hrs per week x NMW

poppy123456

If her earnings were at least £123/week then she will be treated as having paid class 1. See link.

https://www.gov.uk/national-insurance

ou usually do not pay National Insurance, but may still qualify for certain benefits and the State Pension, if you’re either:

• an employee earning from £123 to £242 a week from one job
• self-employed and your profits are £6,725 or more a year

Your contributions are treated as having been paid to protect your National Insurance record.

justthe2ofus

Gross total earnings off P60s

2022/23 £6096.87

2023/24 £8501

poppy123456

The tax years relevant for a claim now would be 2021/22 and 2022/23. From the first Sunday in January this changes to 2022/23 and 2023/24.

Once she finishes work should should put a claim in, if she's looking for work. The worst that will happen is they refuse. If entitled she would receive £90.50/week but it's only paid for 6 months.