Rising household bills, no rise in benefits!

Kimitatsu

I think it is fair to say that everyone is feeling the pinch with rising utility and fuel prices! I dont think I could find anyone on this board who would disagree with that

Lizard_Lady, I do sympathise with your sentiment but trust me it is no diferent for any of us, those who are working or those who are on a pension having worked all their lives. I am on heating oil and the cost of that has gone up 150% per litre in 18 months......we will be using open fires and woolly jumpers this year.

Whilst I DO have sympathy for your situation, you are young and we have all been there, and personally my family pays a horrendous amount of tax, and is unable to claim any form of benefit, so you will excuse me if I am reluctant to endorse a further increase in taxes!!

As has been said go to www.entitledto.co.uk and ensure you are getting everything you are entitled to, check with your college, you should already have got your course for a nominal sum, and there are funds available to buy books and help with transport costs. Dont give up your course because of the worry about money, the only thing they cant take away from you today is your education and it will stand you in good stead in years to come.

Conor_3

ccastley wrote: »

The OP had a very valid point and has asked a very valid question, and does not deserve to have everyone attacking her.

Bloody well does especially with follow up comments. Benefits are guaranteed to rise every year. Many people haven't had a wage rise for half a decade but they're paying out more in tax so the doleys get their annual increase.

In my job type in my area, wages have only risen 50p/hr since 1998.

Conor_3

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..

Its a choice she made and now expects everyone else to pay for.

dmg24

Conor wrote: »

Bloody well does especially with follow up comments. Benefits are guaranteed to rise every year. Many people haven't had a wage rise for half a decade but they're paying out more in tax so the doleys get their annual increase.

In my job type in my area, wages have only risen 50p/hr since 1998.

Poor old Conor. That's what it always comes down to isn't it, you are jealous. :rolleyes:

Titch89

Conor wrote: »

Its a choice she made and now expects everyone else to pay for.

But she's going to college in September, hoping to get a qualifdication and getting a decent job. Bitter much? You've heard of accidents, haven't you?:rolleyes:

poet123

Conor wrote: »

Its a choice she made and now expects everyone else to pay for.

Things do happen in life that are unplanned,you know the old saying? whether it was a planned baby or not,the OP is not just sitting around at home but actively trying to make her life bettershe should be applauded for that.

Lizard_Lady

Doom_and_Gloom wrote: »

I'm sorry DaisyFlower but she is on JSA meaning she is LOOKING for a job. It is not her fault she hasn't been able to find one. She has a child to support and she is going back into education to try and make her life better. I have to say people can be a bit harsh to those on benefits. I'm on JSA myself and am 19. I never thought this would happen as I am more than willing to work and am very able as well. Finding a job is not easy and is being made harder by the crash that is causing lay offs. Even with all the jobs that are freeing up due to immigrants going back home there are not enough jobs.
I am sure the OP wants to get a job to show their child that work is essential to live a life above the breadline. Benefits are under the line to live on the breadline or above.
Lizard_Lady I hope you well in finding a job, keeping yourself and your daughter well and I wish you wellness for your finances. Try the OS board to try and lower your bills if possible. Groceries are usually a good place to start if you have not already.
D&G

Thankyou D&G. My husband IS ACTIVELY looking for a job and is currently training with the Jobcentre at the moment, but because of the rising number of Polish coming into where I live, its pretty hard for anyone to find a job at the moment. I have been brought up with both of my parents working, and dont think that being on the doll is one long holiday of getting free money and not working. I dont enjoy being on benefits, i dont really enjoy having my rent and tax being paid for, id much rather pay for it off my own back, but not having a job means i cant at the moment. I am simply just worried of the rising cos of gas and electric while being on benefits, this Government wastes so much of tax payers money its unbelievable.
I may live in a council flat, but up until a few months ago, my rent and tax and bills were always paid.
Maybe you'll lose your job one day and end up on benefits.

Lizard_Lady

Kimitatsu wrote: »

Lizard_Lady, I do sympathise with your sentiment but trust me it is no diferent for any of us,

I understand that, and thats why i made the post to DISCUSS it, not to have everyone call me a sponger, and living off benefits all the time.

I am going to college to do Hairdressing, its a full time course for 3 years. Loads of kids dont even go to college when they leave school, they just sponge off their parents, do drugs, drink every weekend. But thats ok, because they're not on benefits. I had my daughter when i was 17, im 19 now, and i dont do drugs, i dont go out every weekend drinking. I look after my home and family. You can think what you like about people on benefits, but were not all the same, so please dont pre-judge me any more to be some lazy, fat girl on benefits who had a baby to get a flat and to never work again.

Lizard_Lady

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.

My husband claims JSA for us as a family, which is £185 a FORTNIGHT with £40 a week Child Tax Credit and ChB. Once all my bills have been paid, and food, nappies, etc has been bought, nothing is left in our pockets for a week until we next get paid. I dont claim for myself and then my husband works on the sly, we claim as a FAMILY! We are currently fighting off court letters from the bank and various others. I cannot afford to study, but if i dont, i dont stand much chance of ever finding a decent job. I am waiting to hear from the college on whether i can do a payment monthly plan to pay for my course.

Oldernotwiser

I still don't see why you're having to pay course fees as you're on means tested benefits. Neither do you have to pay if it's your first level 2 qualification. Have you queried this with the college?