Why is there no extra help?

DX2

steamwin wrote: »

have you sought any help from social service's buggles?just an idea.

I'm really struggling to understand this post? Why would SS be able to help.

emsywoo123

DX2 wrote: »

I'm really struggling to understand this post? Why would SS be able to help.

I was looking back to see if there were social issues as an explanation for this.........apparently not. The OP has stated they are just a quiet person and want to live by themselves.
In fact, by previous posting, the OP has started a fair few threads on this topic and seeing what help they can get, to be met by the same answer each time

louisemichelle

"Council tax is split 4 ways so there is a potential discount there of 75% of the cost, versus a single person in self-contained accommodation that is only eligible for a 25% discount (though granted that a bigger property will have a higher CT rate)."

I agree that Council Tax can be cheaper, but if you are on your own, I was under the impression there was some sort of supplement and that Council Tax could sometimes be covered under some types of housing benefit? I'm not claiming any of this so to be honest, I don't really know- I was just giving my experience.

"Energy consumption will be greater because there are 4 bodies in the house but heating a property will cost the same whether there is 1 or 4 people present so it can often work out cheaper. Again, more people to pitch in and pay. "

In terms of energy consumption, it's harder to cut down on the amount everyone uses, I found this easier when I was living on my own, but it might not be the same for everyone, although in shared flats, when people may be coming and going from the lease, often there can be problems in getting the last bill payment. In terms of food, bulk buying isn't always an option- especially when different people have different dietary needs. I guess it does help in terms of the basics like cleaning products though, and if you can find flatmates that do a lot of group cooking, and aren't too fussy then it could save you a lo of money. I'm not totally dismissing the idea of the OP getting a flat share. I'm just suggesting it's not as clear cut as it appears.

zzzLazyDaisy

louisemichelle wrote: »

I'm not totally dismissing the idea of the OP getting a flat share. I'm just suggesting it's not as clear cut as it appears.

It is clear cut though, in terms of benefits. Local Housing Allowance (which replaced housing benefit for the private sector) is capped at the average rent for a room in a shared house, for under 25 yr olds.

This means that by renting a one bedroomed flat, he is immediately making himself worse off, simply because even if his financial situation means that all his rent would be paid if he was 25yrs or over, because he is under 25yrs he must make the shortfall up out of his own pocket (unless he meets the criteria for discretionary rent top-up).

Unfortunately, if he chooses to rent a place that is outside the LHA guidelines, the end result is that he will be worse off, and have less money to spend on other things such as food and bills.

Morgan_Ree

DX2 wrote: »

I'm really struggling to understand this post? Why would SS be able to help.

I don't think it's widely known but SS can help with food vouchers if the OP finds himself with literally nothing.

£30 will be tough for him to manage on considering this is the first time he's had to do it himself iykwim.

Edit
sorry I'm just assuming this would be his first time sticking to such a tight budget. Either way SS can and do help

louisemichelle

"It is clear cut though, in terms of benefits. Local Housing Allowance (which replaced housing benefit for the private sector) is capped at the average rent for a room in a shared house, for under 25 yr olds. "

Ah sorry- didn't mean to give out the wrong info, like I said, I wasn't really sure- I'm over 25, and wasn't aware of all the restriction on under 25s! Thanks for clearing that up though- just out of curiousity- what is the criteria for a discretionary top up? If there's a website I can look at to save you time looking it up let me know. Cheers.

zzzLazyDaisy

louisemichelle wrote: »

just out of curiousity- what is the criteria for a discretionary top up? If there's a website I can look at to save you time looking it up let me know. Cheers.

Hi, I don't know what the criteria is, sorry. Hopefully someone will be along soon who can clarify this.

I know that it is discretionary and seems to vary from one authority to another. Some examples that I have heard of are a disabled person who needed an extra room for his carer (which is not taken into account when assessing LHA) and another family who were in rented accommodation when the husband was made redundant and the LHA allowance was too low to cover the rent. The discretionary allowance seems to be allocated on a case by case basis, and it seems to be a case of making the application and putting your case forward.

Sorry if that isn't much help, as I say, i'm not an expert, and also we don't really know why OP feels that shared housing is not appropriate (it may be a simple lifestyle choice, or there may be health or other reasons).

diable

Buggles wrote: »

Wow. I asked for advice, not to be lectured.

Why the hell shouldn't I rent a flat if that is what I want/have to do??

Have I even mentioned my age? No. Yes, I am under 25. That doesn't mean I'm a 16 year old scrounger.

You can rent a flat if you earn enough but working 16 hours a week will go against you, not sure where you live and what the costs are.

sassy_one

iamana1ias wrote: »

You didn't say that



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

Long as your 'jokes' are priceless, I think they went up to 13p due to TAX increases, was the OP looking for a 'joke' such your one?.... *yawns*

Boring.......

bestpud

Basically, you are working too few hours and living in an oversized property. These are choices you have made and you can't expect the benefit system to pick up the tab.

You would not be able to claim IS and would only receive Income Based JSA if your income is less than the weekly JSA allowance for someone your age.

I'm not sure how it works if you are entitled to contributions based JSA but that is limited to 26 weeks anyway so would be at best a short-term solution.

I can't see you getting Discretionary Housing payments as you've chosen to live in a bigger property and don't seem to have extenuating circumstances as reason for doing so.

Your best bet is to use these boards to help you cut your outgoings and eat well for less rather than to query benefit entitlement.