It is tough NOW. So how are we coping

cuddlymarm

Hi

As my post says we know that this is only the beginning. Things are going to get tight, people are going to lose their jobs and a lot of us already know that when we need state help it isn't going to be there. So my question is are we getting ready.

So far I am
Asking for overtime
Putting away canned stuff and packets
Thinking before I spend anything
Making things last that little bit longer

There are probably lots of other bits I am doing but I will think of them later. But the point I am making is that we need to be ready cos if OH loses his job we are a couple of months from homelessness. We have already lost our home to BR so I now know how fragile our livelihoods are. We are lucky that we have family that would let us stay if needs must but not everyone is so lucky. At the end of the day private landlords are there to make money from their property so no job no money no money no flat.
Just my view
Cuddles:)

Hippeechiq

Penelope_Penguin wrote: »

To qualify for Carer's Allowance, you need to care for a person for at least 35 hours a week, and they must receive Middle (or High) Rate Care component of DLA. I work for CAB, and often complete DLA application forms. No disrespect to your MHC co-ordinator, but s/he's possibly not been trained in applying for such benefits. I'd suggest a phone call to your local CAB, who'll be able to look at your daughter's situation in more detail and help you further.

Good luck :A

Thanks for taking the time to respond to my post Penelope Penguin

My daughter lives with me and I care for her 24/7. I'm afraid I don't understand the correct terminology, but I do know she has to be classed as/or in receipt of Middle or High (whatever it's called) but is only classed as/is in recipt of Low.

I've have tried many times to get through to the CAB but it's either constantly engaged or rings forever. I could argue the rights and wrongs of not receiving financial help to look after her, but it will change nowt, and to be honest, I haven't got the energy to fight for what I believe I'm entitled to anymore - what little I have is channelled into keeping my daughter, well, here, quite frankly, as I've also had to fight tooth and nail to get her the help and therapy she needs......this country has and always will look after the wasters and the wealthy, whilst the genuinely needy get overlooked.

I don't claim JSA or Tax Credits either - at least if I don't claim, I don't owe anyone anything and they can't claim £500 overpayment that they want paying back immediately :mad:

With OH's wage, we are holding our own (just) and at least if you don't claim anything, you know exactly where you are - and luckily, we have no debts

Apologies to everyone for being so completely off topic

Soubrette

Just to warn you - I can't see this thread has a snowball's chance of staying as a standalone

Sou

Penelope_Penguin

cuddlymarm wrote: »

. At the end of the day private landlords are there to make money from their property so no job no money no money no flat.

If you're out of work, is there a reason that you wouldn't be entitled to housing benefit / local housing allowance?

cuddlymarm

Hi

Because I was self employed for 5 years and now have only worked for 6 weeks I won't have enough contributions to allow me anything. If OHs job goes we wouldn't be able to afford the rent (never mind anything else on what I earn) and a girl at works OHs contributions have just run out so now has to claim income based and she has been told they can't get any help. So I am not expecting much help.

I know this is a negative view but quite frankly I feel negative. We are in our late 40s, kids are grown and OHs job is rocky and my firm
have put a recruitment ban on so I am a little worried.

Cuddles:)

sammy_kaye18

cuddlymarm - there is already a thread like this called 'things are tough now. so how are we coping?' a few threads down the page x

Penelope_Penguin

cuddlymarm wrote: »

Because I was self employed for 5 years and now have only worked for 6 weeks I won't have enough contributions to allow me anything. If OHs job goes we wouldn't be able to afford the rent (never mind anything else on what I earn) and a girl at works OHs contributions have just run out so now has to claim income based and she has been told they can't get any help. So I am not expecting much help.

The highlighted is just wrong, sorry If you're on a low income, with no savings, and unable to afford your rent, you're likely to be entitled to some help with rent and council tax. You don't need to have made class 1 contributions for that.

Your OH's colleague may have savings or a partner who works - it's impossible to compare your own situation with that of others without knowing all the facts

You can get more help on your own situation from CAB.

cuddlymarm

Hi

But now I am working I would not give up if OHs job goes, so I believe that he would get contributions based and then I would have to claim for housing etc.
It is a long time since we claimed anything. The girl I work with seemed very worried and I don't think they have much saved. Maybe they need to try applying again.

Thanks for your advice. Hopefully we won't need to claim anything anytime soon.

Cuddles:)

seraphina

Just had a thought about this thread - my previous cookbook purchases have been Jamie this and Nigella that but the latest one was More with Less! Signs of the times, eh?

PS: The granola recipes in More with Less are worth the price of the book alone.

Toonie

Just to give you an example which may help, I work full time (42 hours a week) and my partner is self employed (actor) and we get a little help with rent because of my low income. It's not much (enough to pay half the council tax) but it's something. You should apply just in case if your situation becomes difficult.