Some help and support needed urgently

Dsdwest

Im self employed and the last 9 months everything has just fallen apart, on numerous occasions we felt we were just getting back on top of matters when everything just broke down again.

My wife is currently on illness benefit after having our first baby as she is suffering very badly with post natal depression, something neither us knew anything about until the last few months.

My wife gets 188 euro per week, that just feeds us and keeps some fuel in the car, our bills are mounting up and theres nowhere to turn and i feel ive hit the the wall, normally im the positive one and even at the worst moments i can turn something good out of it but not this time its just not there.

I need to be stronger to help my wife and baby but i just dont know how to, ive started the weekend to send my cv out but i know this will be a very long project but i feel i will get something.

My question is, is there any supports out thee for us? how am i going to support the family for the next couple of months till i get a job, the rent is already behind, i really dont know where to turn.

With my wife getting 188 per week is there really any chance we will get anymore as a couple, as i am self employed will it takes weeks to put in place?

These are all questions that are going around in my head and i just need a little direction.

Hope someone can help.

popperinthere

I'm sorry to see you're in such a position. I just wanted to let you know (and this information should be verified at your social welfare office), that my parents were self-employed business owners for ten years before the business succumbed to the recession and because they were self-employed they weren't entitled to the usual benefits. Citizens information may be a better place to go than the social welfare as the latter you'd be lucky to get a face to face meeting within the next 2 weeks

danjo-xx

Have a read through this, http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/social_welfare_payments/unemployed_people/self_employed_and_unemployment.html

eastbono

You can apply for jobseekers allowance which is a means tested payment. As you are self-employed you will be seen by a social welfare inspector for your means assessment.

Dsdwest

Thanks for your help guys, I'm going to have a chat with Cwo on Wednesday it's a very scary time for us as a family but just need to keep our head above water and see can we work through.

wmpdd3

is the baby on your wife's claim, surely there should be an increase of half rate for the baby of 14 Euro per week.

Dsdwest

wmpdd3 wrote: »

is the baby on your wife's claim, surely there should be an increase of half rate for the baby of 14 Euro per week.

My wife had it on her claim but we never got it, il speak to the cwo tomorrow and see what she says, its a hard system to break into, not easy for families in need.

eastbono

Dsdwest wrote: »

My wife had it on her claim but we never got it, il speak to the cwo tomorrow and see what she says, its a hard system to break into, not easy for families in need.

For her to get paid for an adult dependant and child dependant on illness benefit she will have to supply up to date accounts for you. ADA and CDA are means tested. Tell her to get onto illness benefit and find out exactly what they require in order for them to determine ADA and CDA.

Dsdwest

Thanks again for your information on this, i was going to visit the local cwo today to see what i might be able to claim but is there no point ??? am i better putting it through my wifes illness claim?
Ive tried to log into the social welfare website to fill out forms but every time i save them or complete it says there is an issue and they are doing maintance, talk about making it difficult for people, its like banging your head off a brick wall.

mrsbyrne

Dsdwest wrote: »

Thanks again for your information on this, i was going to visit the local cwo today to see what i might be able to claim but is there no point ??? am i better putting it through my wifes illness claim?
Ive tried to log into the social welfare website to fill out forms but every time i save them or complete it says there is an issue and they are doing maintance, talk about making it difficult for people, its like banging your head off a brick wall.

Its more a case of you being completely stressed out then it being difficult. your wife needs to apply for you and your child to be considered her dependents, but as eastbono already said, you will need a full set of accounts so that they can means test you. Have you got an uptodate full set of accounts?

Dsdwest

mrsbyrne wrote: »

Its more a case of you being completely stressed out then it being difficult. your wife needs to apply for you and your child to be considered her dependents, but as eastbono already said, you will need a full set of accounts so that they can means test you. Have you got an uptodate full set of accounts?

I dont have an up to date accounts but i have all my business and personal bank accounts for the last 12 months would that help?

eastbono

Dsdwest...get your wife to contact illness benefit and find out exactly what they need to determine ADA & CDA and work from there.

Dsdwest

eastbono wrote: »

Dsdwest...get your wife to contact illness benefit and find out exactly what they need to determine ADA & CDA and work from there.

I was in the social welfare office today, just after filling all my forms out, need to call back into them tomorrow with all paperwork, then il get an appointment and im just going to ask then where cwo is sitting that day in the area and see can i get to see someone there, if i dont do something fast il go mad so this is best course of action.

I have to say everyone was so helpful today in the social welfare office, alot of people give them hell but i cant be say good things about them.