Can anyone offer any help with this case. Couple, 5 kids - all at school. Mr not working, Mrs has been working 16 hrs a week but had a nervous breakdown in June and been off sick since, now getting SSP. Other income CTC, CB and WTC. They live in rented accomodation and have been getting some HB.

They are making a claim for IS. Am I right in thinking that they will continue to get WTC whilst she is on SSP, but can also claim IS?? In which case income from WTC (51.30 a week - although did I read somewhere that whilst on SSP they would get max WTC??) and SSP (£66.15) will be above couple AA (£87.30)and so no IS payable at moment (we are applying for DLA which if awarded would increase AA and then may be entitled to IS). So if no IS then no free school meals & no school clothing grant as WTC in payment, and they will have an element of rent and council tax to pay.

So she's thinking about handing in her notice. If she does am I right in thinking that WTC will probably remain in payment for a few weeks (she gets paid weekly)as it will take the IR & employer a few weeks to sort out, so IS amount will reflect this.

Also, as she's finishing work due to ill health I am assuming the DWP will want her to complete an ICB form and if she's entitled will have the same effect as the SSP ie ICB & WTC will mean income above AA and no IS until WTC payments are stopped.

Any help gratefully received. Sorry for the long posting.

Some answers, but not all.

She can continue to get WTC when getting SSP

If she gives up work and claims ICB, then WTC will end (as soon as IR catch up). Free school meals are for anyone claiming CTC and annual taxeable income below £13480, so will be entitled . Probably be outside IS, if get adult dependent on ICB, but can still claim some HB CTB.