Rising household bills, no rise in benefits!

mrcow

ccastley wrote: »

In terms of it not being off topic, I think to condescend to someone and tell them they are ungrateful when they are actually just asking for advice, is pretty off topic...

None of the above posts have been off topic.

The OP was written as if "benefits" come from some mystical government slush fund from which more money should magically be dished out because the cost of living is rising.

The fact of reality is that this money comes out of all of our pockets, and the cost of living is rising for everyone. It's tough for everyone. My wages haven't risen this year and my outgoings have done nothing but rise.

It's not rocket science. If you can't afford to pay for stuff, cut back - it's what we all have to do when times get harder.

ccastley

So you are not entitled to ask for advice if you receive benefits then? I thought this was an ADVICE board. My mistake. It's pretty obvious to me that there are people posting on this board who see people claiming benefits and asking for advice as nothing but sport...so on that note I'm tiring of this topic but wishing the OP good luck in the future.

ccastley

Mrcow:

By the way, my reply to your post seemed to infer that you were the one making sport of people who claim benefits, and I don't think that is the case with you at all. Definitely my last word on the subject...

mrcow

ccastley wrote: »

By the way, my reply to your post seemed to infer that you were the one making sport of people who claim benefits, and I don't think that is the case with you at all. Definitely my last word on the subject...

Good grief, the OP is an 18 year old girl with a two year old daughter and a big pot of debt that she's struggling with. Not a situation to be mocked over. I think she needs all the help she can get and the advice she's been given about getting over the OS boards is the best she could take.

CFC

I hope anyone on a key meter has checked out Ebico prices. Ebico do not charge key customers more than their other customers. I am with Ebico and pay by direct debit - I do not get the usual direct debit discount because Ebico don't give that either. I'm happy to forego that in order to ensure that key customers don't get ripped off, as they are often those who are poorest. Not fair that they should pay more when they are the poorest!

poet123

I agree times are hard for everyone, but the OP is very young, and has a child to look after, on a pittance.It cannot be easy.

As family we have never claimed any benefits other than CHB, but I sympathise with those who do have to do so for genuine reasons. I worked as a benefits officer for several years,and yes,there were people who worked the system,equally, there were many who were completely unaware of their entitlements and money went unclaimed. Everyone needs help at some time and surely this board is the place to come for such help? A bit of understanding and compassion would not go amiss sometimes imo.

DaisyFlower

poet123 wrote: »

I agree times are hard for everyone, but the OP is very young, and has a child to look after, on a pittance.It cannot be easy.

As family we have never claimed any benefits other than CHB, but I sympathise with those who do have to do so for genuine reasons. I worked as a benefits officer for several years,and yes,there were people who worked the system,equally, there were many who were completely unaware of their entitlements and money went unclaimed. Everyone needs help at some time and surely this board is the place to come for such help? A bit of understanding and compassion would not go amiss sometimes imo.

Whilst the OP may be young with a child, from previous posts she is also married. Therefore she is not on a "pittance" as she is getting benefits and can afford to study whilst they will also have the income from her husband. There are people in far worse situations.

Understanding and compassion is great but simply moaning about price increases when you choose not to work is hardly likely to gain lots of sympathy votes. Lots of people are struggling with price increases despite working many hours a week.

OrkneyStar

Lizard_Lady wrote: »

Hi, does anyone else feel that if household bills are going up constantly, like gas, electric, tv license, water. then why dont they up our benefits? i cant afford the 40% rise in gas n electric on jobseekers and child tax credit. im with the best supplier for me, but have to pay £1.87 a week in a service charge for a key meter. im starting college in september full time (im 19) and my daughters going in to nursery, the only help i will get is paying for childcare, i still have to pay nearly £500 for course and bus fare will cost £13 a week. I cant help but panacking about money. im trying to go to college to better myself for me and my daughter but its so hard when its so expensive.

anyone else in same sort of position?

Firstly to say, well done for getting a place at college- as some others say check there is no bursaries or anything available to you to help with travel etc.
Pop to the local CAB and get them to do a benefits check- make sure there is nothing you should be getting that you are not.
Pop over to Old Style board and look at grocery challenge, meal planning etc.
Could you get any part-time work ? in the evenings and maybe a friend could have your daughter (you could so something in return like make a meal).
Sell anything on ebay ? (daughters old clothes etc)
Good luck, times are tough for all of us, whether we have wages, benefits, pensions whatever.

OrkneyStar

DaisyFlower wrote: »

Whilst the OP may be young with a child, from previous posts she is also married. Therefore she is not on a "pittance" as she is getting benefits and can afford to study whilst they will also have the income from her husband. There are people in far worse situations.

Understanding and compassion is great but simply moaning about price increases when you choose not to work is hardly likely to gain lots of sympathy votes. Lots of people are struggling with price increases despite working many hours a week.

I did suggest she might get an eveing job or something, but this said, she is planning to study and has a child to look after, so is not exactly idle there!

poet123

DaisyFlower wrote: »

Whilst the OP may be young with a child, from previous posts she is also married. Therefore she is not on a "pittance" as she is getting benefits and can afford to study whilst they will also have the income from her husband. There are people in far worse situations.

Understanding and compassion is great but simply moaning about price increases when you choose not to work is hardly likely to gain lots of sympathy votes. Lots of people are struggling with price increases despite working many hours a week.

The basic benefit levels are a not high in comparision with wages,it is only when you add in all the extras that they increase markedly. The OP has not told us what her family situation is,her husband could well be a working student for all we know, and therfore not on a substanstial wage.

My post did say everyone was finding it tough,even those who work and earn decent salaries,so how much harder must it be for those who are on basic benefits,but trying to better their prospects and those of their kids by studying?

Childcare (for extra hours if working)may be an issue,as it is for most of us with kids,not everyone has supportive families etc. There are lots of variables.