Memorygirls - Make Do and Mend

scaredy_cat

a question (or two) about the boards where you have pictures of things you want... what is it called? And do the pictures have to be specific or is it more the image in your mind?

Memory_Girl

it's all gone wrong!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well im back from the single parent advisor at the job center - state of play is;

noticed on friday 20th aug that tax credits hadn't been paid - so tried to phone, couldn't get through - but got through on tues 24th. they told me they hadn't had my renewal claim through so had stopped my claim. took details over the phone and said it should be sorted in a week. got a letter from healthy start saying they had also been stopped.

by the following thursday the 2nd i still had nothing through so went to job centre where we got through to another call centre, who said that the update hadn't happened, so gave details AGAIN and was told that the claim would take 7 days to be reinstated. i was also advised that my healthy start vouchers would be reinstated and any backdated one processed.

today - the 9th, trecked back to job centre because i still haven't received anything in the post, or any healthy start vouchers. we got through to a very snippy guy in newcastle who (whilst we were on speakerphone) informed me that "their system doesn't lie - so i must be. that i didn't return my renewal pack and therefore it wasn't his problem that the new claim hadn't been processed. oh!! and by the way - it's also not true that the last twice i was told it would take 7 days to sort out as the processing time is now 3 weeks"


3 MORE WEEKS - THAT WILL BE NEARLY 7 WEEKS IN TOTAL WITHOUT ANY MONEY!!!!!!!!!!

the thing is , i did return my forms - what kind of mother would i be not to return the forms that feed and clothe my children???? - that money is too important to our survival.

I can't believe that a system that is supposed to keep children out of poverty is the one that drives you into debt in the first place. i was surviving, i was taking care of my boys - but even i can't survive on less than half of my income for 7 weeks.

i'm sorry, but i am so frustrated and spent emotionally. i was so excited about this evening and getting this project off the ground, now i am back to square one all over again.

my only saving grace is that because you guys have been so generous over the last week in buying the books we will at least be able to eat for the next three weeks or however long ot takes. I have cancelled my direct debits however, so no utilities or council tax will be paid until i get this sorted out - so that will take some time to claw back.

i'm afraid my little stash of pennies to start my new business and get off benefits will be eaten up, by well eating!! So i need to go off have another good cry and then start to think more creatively about how to launch a business with literally no money.

............... but i do have wooden knobs for ds1 freebie desk, thanks vandanfc, they arrived this morning and they are perfect. he will so delighted as his grown-up desk - thank you.

memorygirl

crickett1234

MG, my darling, have a huge :grouphug: from me. You must be feeling :eek::eek::eek: and :(:( by turns. I am so sorry that the benefits agency or what ever they are called are being so rude and horrible to you. May the fleas of 1,000 camels infest their armpits.

And re the business... well, we have one hell of a network here and on the blog and it may be a matter of exploiting this to the max. Somehow. I shall go and put my thinking cap on and see if I come up with any further ideas.

Do not despair lovely. We will find a way around this.

Lara44

Ahh no MemoryGirl I am so sorry, that is incredibly frustrating. You must feel like banging their heads together! (((((HUGE Hugs))))))

First things first, do you have enough from the book money to stretch? At least you have your PSB already worked out!!

From you previous posts I understand you don't get the lump sum back, but you do get a higher average per week? That is VERY annoying to lose your little pot.

But, looking back on this thread there have been many twists and turns, and you would never have imagined making money from selling your books or having a transatlantic mentor! The sun is shining on you and your DSs and this is just a very frustrating springtime shower. There is much ahead that is exciting, life-affirming, funny and happy. Remember you are among your friends here.

ClootiesMum

I'm so sorry about the benefits folk - I have to be back to work in 4 mins so this'll be quick.

First - have a cry but then reread Mr Big's e-mails & then put on the good dress & Carrie shoes as Mr Big's plan will be wonderful & will give you something to focus on & will get you out of this.

Second - make a list of all the d/d you have had to cancel - some you can just "miss" for a month due to bank problems but the council tax - you need to speak to them - I think in fife that if you miss one pymt you then get a demand for the whole lot - you need to stop this happening.

We're away for the weekend but remember & help yourself to the apples & pears & possibly eggs if you want

OK 1 minute to go

YOU WILL GET THROUGH THIS - IT'S ANOTHER CHALLENGE & then when you're a multi millionaire you can honestly say

I DID IT

Kittikins

Oh MG this is completely pants and criminal - have done what I can for you practically, and am also sending big hugs. On Fay's diary, someone randomly sent her some courgettes through the post, I won't do that but wouldn't it be funny if we all sent you a tin of beans, produce from our gardens (I have a few blackberries )lol.

Maybe call back and speak to a human rather than a nitwit? I had one of those who told me when my exOH walked out that I would not be entitled to a penny in my new single parent claim as in the previous tax year I had earned too much - nope, and I was jobless when I had DD so had maternity allowance that was soon to dry up and burger all else coming in as he wasn't paying....

The universe will send good things your way and I hope that all your DS1's nits make their way onto his head - in fact I'll send him all future nit infestations of my DD's, please please let the universe work that way?!? I don't want to get the comb out ever again!!

groatie_queen

MG have sent you a PM

scottishlass

Oh MG - sorry to hear that things have suddenly taken a change of direction. I can only echo what has been said above however it may be worth making a formal complaint regarding the differences in information you were told. There are a few guidelines on their responsibilities which includes telling you the correct information, at some point they haven't done this and the fact that you were called a liar is inexcusible but I understand that you may not have time to do this at the moment.

sined1uk

Well my first attempt at bananna bread has turned out well, have made another as its so nice i cant see it lasting long, also have alot of banannas that need to be used. will have to try muffins next

MrsMoo2U

MG.
I am on a train using a never before done dongle. Ooooerrrrr . Anyway, I second what Clooties Mum says. Have a cry, then deep breaths. Write down all the DDs that you need to cancel Council Tax is not an option though, you need to phone and explain the situation. You will probably be entitled to a reduced rate anyway. Now, once you have done that, phone the SMP/UK MP office and tell them that you want them to do something. They can only write to enquire what is happening but believe me when I tell you this (I know because I used to be a customer service officer for DWP) they will act upon that twice as fast as anything you can do.
It wont help practically but you need to feel in control. Next you want to phone the Jobcentre for a Crisis Loan. Now you may need to pay this back but it will be interest free if you get it and only at a rate that you could afford.
I am heading to London for the weekend but I will check in, if you need to, PM me and I will try to help in any way that I can.