Why is there no extra help?

Buggles

I work 16 hours a week earning minimum wage. I am moving out of the family home and into my own, private rented, flat next week. I had no choice but to leave.

Because I work 16 hours or more (even though it is only 16), I am not entitled to Income Support

Because I'm under 25 and don't have a child, I'm not entitled to Working Tax Credit

I'm entitled to around £40 a week housing. With this and my wages, I will have no more than £30 a month to spend on food once I have paid my other bills.

I would actually be better off dropping one hour a week at work but this isn't possible

Surely there must be some help, somewhere??

iamana1ias

Buggles wrote: »

I work 16 hours a week earning minimum wage. I am moving out of the family home and into my own, private rented, flat next week. I had no choice but to leave.

Because I work 16 hours or more (even though it is only 16), I am not entitled to Income Support

Because I'm under 25 and don't have a child, I'm not entitled to Working Tax Credit

I'm entitled to around £40 a week housing. With this and my wages, I will have no more than £30 a month to spend on food once I have paid my other bills.

I would actually be better off dropping one hour a week at work but this isn't possible

Surely there must be some help, somewhere??

The £40 housing is 'help' (and is more than the tax/NI you'll be paying into the pot).

If you need more money, work more hours. Simples.

DX2

Buggles wrote: »

I work 16 hours a week earning minimum wage. I am moving out of the family home and into my own, private rented, flat next week. I had no choice but to leave.

Because I work 16 hours or more (even though it is only 16), I am not entitled to Income Support

Because I'm under 25 and don't have a child, I'm not entitled to Working Tax Credit

I'm entitled to around £40 a week housing. With this and my wages, I will have no more than £30 a month to spend on food once I have paid my other bills.

I would actually be better off dropping one hour a week at work but this isn't possible

Surely there must be some help, somewhere??

I would hazard at guess that as a childless person under 25 you are expected to work more than 16 hours per week. Trust me you wouldn't be better off by dropping your hours by 1.

Buggles

No, iamana1ias, it isn't as simple as working more hours. What do you want me to do, magically make jobs available? You really think I WANT to be working just 16 hours a week?? I woud love a full time job.

That is besides the point anyway, the point is, I'll have £30 a month to spend on food and groceries.

mich13x

I dont think there is much help available for your situation, are you going to be renting a place thats maybe just to expensive for you atm, for example if its a 2 bed could you maybe look for a one instead as its only you i assume?

Also as you said dropping one hour at work wouldnt be possible, would it maybe be possible to increase your hours to full time employment?
Or maybe get a second job?

I would imagine this would be the best option for you to maximise your income assuming you are fit and healthy enough to work full time.

You mention you will get housing benefit? You could also try to apply for a discretionary housing payment to top this up as you will be suffering hardship, although these are only awarded short term (6 months then reviewed) so it wouldnt be a long term solution. Ask your housiing benefit office for more information on this and good luck.

iamana1ias

Buggles wrote: »

No, iamana1ias, it isn't as simple as working more hours. What do you want me to do, magically make jobs available? You really think I WANT to be working just 16 hours a week?? I woud love a full time job.

You didn't say that

Buggles wrote: »

That is besides the point anyway, the point is, I'll have £30 a month to spend on food and groceries.

Should be fairly easy. Aren't own brand noodles about 9p a packet?

iamana1ias

Any reason you need your own flat? Wouldn't a houseshare be cheaper?

Buggles

mich13x, thank you for being more understanding. I am renting the smallestposible place (1 bedroom with barely enough room for a double bed, tiny lounge/kitchen, and tiny bathroom.)

I am desparately looking for more hours, but until then, I am stuck! Beans on toast it is then.

And yes, it has to be my own flat not a houseshare.

mich13x

iamana1ias wrote: »

Should be fairly easy. Aren't own brand noodles about 9p a packet?

Any reason you need your own flat? Wouldn't a houseshare be cheaper?

You are awfully judgemental, why come on this thread if you have nothing helpful to say?

God forbid you ever need help yourself one day as you obviously are of the attitude that no one deserves it.

The OP is in a difficult situation and was only asking advice which is what this forum is supposed to be about, its none of your business why he/she needs a flat or why homeshare isnt suitable!

The way i see it at least the OP is trying to support themselves, they could easily sit back and say ill be better off going on JSA than doing my 16 hours as id get full housing benefit but they aren't.

And folk would do well to remember in the current climate jobs really arent all that easy to come by.

iamana1ias

mich13x wrote: »

The OP is in a difficult situation and was only asking advice which is what this forum is supposed to be about, its none of your business why he/she needs a flat or why homeshare isnt suitable!

Really? I moved out of home at 17 and paid my own way whilst still at school full time. I worked 24+ hours per week earning £2.75 an hour because I had to pay rent and bills, feed myself and run my car. There was no housing benefit, or other help available for me.

mich13x wrote: »

The way i see it at least the OP is trying to support themselves, they could easily sit back and say ill be better off going on JSA than doing my 16 hours as id get full housing benefit but they aren't.

I'm just trying to wean the OP off the idea that the state should fund them to live alone while working a few hours a week. A cheaper benefit system will save us all money

mich13x wrote: »

And folk would do well to remember in the current climate jobs really arent all that easy to come by.

The jobs are there. Most folk are just too lazy/snobby to take them. I know several employers who are desperate for staff but people would rather let the state pay for their lifestyle.

Buggles

iamana1ias wrote: »

The jobs are there. Most folk are just too lazy/snobby to take them. I know several employers who are desperate for staff but people would rather let the state pay for their lifestyle.

Excuse me! I would do ANY job if it meant more money. I live in a small town with poor bus routes (3 buses a day) and no transport of my own. The town I live in has no jobs available at the moment.