We need some advice!

MirjamL

still no luck getting through to the working tax credit people. is there any other way to contact them except phone? seems that we are quite likely to get a big phone bill before getting through to them. :S
Online application said that we are not entitled to council tax benefit, but we went there and made application to pay later. also we are entitled to some housing benefit (17 per week), but that requires bank statements, for which my other half has to go to the previous place where we lived and get the few that was sent there while we changed the address in the bank. loads of work to do. but we are trying to get out of this mess. tv is still on gumtree, no replies though. tv licence is cancelled. unfortunetly we are not able to change our virgin bundle thingie without having to pay extra :S but it's cheaper to keep it. so that's staying. other than that we are still trying everything to get me a job where i don't have to kill myself (not literally).

HAYLEY8005

over on the benefit board there is a number someone posted a 013 something number they have all been using so maybe go over there and see

NorthernLas

Link to info on working tax credits http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/TaxCreditsandChildBenefit/TaxCredits/Gettingstarted/Claimingtaxcredits/start/DG_073804

The website says it is best to phone between 2.30 and 4. If you go to a jobs centre, I think you can use their phones for free to phone up.

Also there is this thread which is all about calliing the tax credit people. The alternate number is for people calling from abroad so people have been told off for using it. This post might be useful http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.html?p=36861350&postcount=375

grey_lady

Have you been to your local citizens advice bureau? I'm sure they would help you with the paperwork for benefits and working tax credits so at least your not using your phone and they would probably know of any charities that would be able to help. There's a branch in Redbridge that are open tomorrow.

Also have you considered cleaning /ironing a few times a week, you could probably charge 8-9 pounds an hour, gumtree or ad in local newsagents windows might get you some work. If it was just for an hour or two at a time then your knees might be able to cope.

Nottoobadyet

MirjamL wrote: »

but that requires bank statements, for which my other half has to go to the previous place where we lived and get the few that was sent there while we changed the address in the bank.

No! You can get these from your bank. Just go into a branch and they'll print them out and stamp them for you, or they can post you fresh ones. Much easier than coordinating times to go back to your old place.

MirjamL

Nottoobadyet wrote: »

No! You can get these from your bank. Just go into a branch and they'll print them out and stamp them for you, or they can post you fresh ones. Much easier than coordinating times to go back to your old place.

well as much as i know it costs to get them from bank again. banks home page said that duplicate of a statement will cost 10 pounds per statement. (it was said 5pounds per page or 10pounds maximum per statement) which is kind of a rip off. Lloyds bank. anyway it's cheaper to go back to our old place. and that kind of things make's us think maybe we should change banks.

chevalier

Were you able to ask your OH employer about paying back the advance over a longer period?

MirjamL

he doesn't have to pay anything back. it is conducted from his salary what he is getting now. he just gets less this month (like today) and next month.

RAS

Miriam

is there a Sikh temple near you?

They always feed anyone who goes in, vegetarian food. You do need to take off your shoes at the temple door and put on a head scarf (both of you). They usually have scarves by the door for people who are not sikh.