ESA claimant question's about how I am expected to pay for everything etc.

flutterbyuk25

JS477 wrote: »

I'm not being funny but I would really be interested in how you manage that as it would really benefit my situation.

Thanks

have a look on the Old Style board, there are loads of threads there on how to meal plan, use up leftovers and budget for food which make a huge difference in how much you spend. They are a friendly bunch (it's my MSE home!)

x

Indie_Kid

JS477 wrote: »

I'm not being funny but I would really be interested in how you manage that as it would really benefit my situation.

Thanks

Don't buy what you don't need.

AngelBadger

I hope this is a wind up but if not.

It is possible to live off your current income (thousands of people do it), but it isn't easy or enjoyable. You need to look at how you use the electricity and try to cut down on your usage as it does seem excessive, see if there are any cheaper companies. Then it would be a good idea to have a read around the various money saving boards and see where else you can save. I also know from experience that unless you can cut back a lot on something and save for every big car expenditure, it's not possible to keep a car long term on these benefits.

If you genuinely can't work you either cut back on everything you can to survive or end up in debt with the most important bills, and risk having electricity cut off and/or being evicted. I know it's not much of a choice.

elvis86

AngelBadger wrote: »

If you genuinely can't work you either cut back on everything you can to survive or end up in debt with the most important bills, and risk having electricity cut off and/or being evicted. I know it's not much of a choice.

...but it might put into perspective whether going to work and earning an honest living is really so terribly stressful in comparison..?;)

As far as I'm concerned, if someone is unable to remain in their current job because of "stress", to a certain degree the benefits they get should leave them struggling. I know it sounds callous, but I feel its necessary to ensure that there's an incentive to get back in the workplace, doing any job. Ultimately this will be better for your mental health and wellbeing.

If it was more profitable, upon leaving your office job due to stress, to sit and claim beenfits, than it was to go and stack shelves or work a checkout (I defy anyone to justify how that is a stressful job! Ruddy hard work yes, but surely not stressful?!), people would never get anywhere.:(

Indie_Kid

elvis86 wrote: »

...but it might put into perspective whether going to work and earning an honest living is really so terribly stressful in comparison..?;)

As far as I'm concerned, if someone is unable to remain in their current job because of "stress", to a certain degree the benefits they get should leave them struggling. I know it sounds callous, but I feel its necessary to ensure that there's an incentive to get back in the workplace, doing any job. Ultimately this will be better for your mental health and wellbeing.

If it was more profitable, upon leaving your office job due to stress, to sit and claim beenfits, than it was to go and stack shelves or work a checkout (I defy anyone to justify how that is a stressful job! Ruddy hard work yes, but surely not stressful?!), people would never get anywhere.:(

Please don't tar all people with MH issues with the same brush and don't belittle the issues we have either.

elfen

Get id of anything considered a luxury item (downgrade internet/phone, get rid of Sky/Virgin or downgrade to the lowest package, get rid of game consoles) and cut down the costs (turn the heating off unless essential and wear extra clothes, walk to the shops and back) It's not enjoyable, but it is possible. See if you can get a HC2 if you have prescriptions (Boots have the forms to apply and so do other places I think)

Oldernotwiser

P0123 wrote: »

To BARNEY - firstly, I am sorry to hear about your problems, and situation, as other readers and writers SHOULD BE, and not picking fault in everything!! They shouldn't be allowed to feature on this site if all they can do is pick someone's problems to pieces and be negative and critical!!

P

This is a money saving site!

If someone says he can't manage on his benefit income because he's paying 30.00 per week on electricity and nearly 50.00 per week on food then of course people are going to tell him that he needs to cut down and live on less.

Picking someone's problems to pieces ( to help him find a solution to them ) is frequently what MSE is about.

SingleSue

I'm a carer and my role is certainly not cushy! I don't live the life of riley either and I find the inference, rather distasteful to be honest.

Blackpool_Saver

come back OP, don't be scared off............

elvis86

sh1305 wrote: »

Please don't tar all people with MH issues with the same brush and don't belittle the issues we have either.

How am I doing that? I'm saying that people who leave their jobs because of stress need to be encouraged to get out there and reintegrate into society, for the sake of their own wellbeing.

If you're going to try and argue that we should throw money at them instead, and indulge them in their desire to hide away from the world, justifying this irrational desire because of their "issues", then its you doing a disservice to people with mental health problems.:cool: