help and advice needed

alexandra_cmpbll

I dont know, the job centre advisor told me i was entitled to it? Is this something else i shouldnt be getting? omg!

amani_2

alexandra_cmpbll wrote: »

I dont know, the job centre advisor told me i was entitled to it? Is this something else i shouldnt be getting? omg!

Im not 100% on this, maybe someone could clarify?

alexandra_cmpbll

Tax credit office told me you can get this disabled credit, depending on illness without getting dla.

DanE2010

No u dont have to be getting DLA to recieve the disability element of WTC

amani_2

DanE2010 wrote: »

No u dont have to be getting DLA to recieve the disability element of WTC

I stand corrected, thanks.

Jowo_2

Duncombe wrote: »

Jowo. I think there have been some miscalculations. ..

Total monthly income of £1245. (Well, every 4 weeks actually). On this basis, finding the rent and CT each month shouldn't be a problem?

Unless I have misread something, the OP is on an annual income of £16100 (ish).

Thanks, I've re-checked, perhaps I muddled weekly income for monthly. Does this seem an accurate summary?

On a monthly basis (as opposed to 4 weekly, the OP) gets approx £1289 net per month.

£640 Wage after tax
£520 Tax credits and disability
£86 Child benefit
£43 Board money paid by son

From this, there is rent and council tax to pay each month of £614 per month
£476 rent
£138 ct

This leaves around £675 per month. After this, the biggest expense is energy (approx £170 per month), an occupational pension (£120), transport and school dinner £65.

As with the previous posters, I think the LHA should be double checked. Advice should be sought how to manage and reduce the debts and the energy costs.

If the OP has mobility and care needs, she should apply for DLA and while her heart intends to take a small sum of money from her eldest son and let her youngest enjoy a sociable school dinner, her head may tell her this is not affordable. For example, by doubling the son's keep and by letting her youngest son take a packed lunch, this could free up another £60 or £70 per month. This is not ideal, but is not cruel given the sacrifices you are making in going without for them.

Personally, I disagree with the advice to discontinue the pension. Take advice from the pension board before making a drastic decision like that.

Ask Shelter or CAB to review your social housing application in light of your disability as this could increase your priority.

Jowo_2

alexandra_cmpbll wrote: »

... Gas and electric payment 40 pounds per week between the two.

That works out at approx £170 per month! I know that consumption, type of heating and insulation of the house can be a factor, plus pre-payment is dearer than other tariffs. I also live in a 2 bedroom property (single glazed, gas central heating) and my bill is £77 per month.

You mention that some of this is due to arrears. Try the Debt Free wanabee and Gas & Electricity boards to find out how to reduce the repayments, cut consumption, find a better tariff and so on. How much of the £40 per week is dedicated to paying arrears?

Duncombe

I have briefly glanced at the figures you provided for your weekly expenditure and it really does as though money managament (of the lack of it) is the issue - not that your income is low.

Your gas and electricity bills is ridiculously high. £160 every 4 weeks? I havn't spent that in the last 6 months. I know you said some of this is arrears, but you should really look into this further.

Whilst I can understand your son 'wants' to go out with his friends for lunch, if you can not afford this then I am afraid he will have to go without. That is life.

You also seem to spend £40 a month on insurance and another £120 on fuel. £160 a month is a fair chunk of your disposable income - is there no way this can be reduced?

As Jowo has said, the Debt Free boards may help you, as will the utility boards.

And start asking your son to contribute more than £10 a week!

alexandra_cmpbll

Hi jowo, i dont earn 640 per month its between 580 and 620. My rent is 540 per month. I applied for dla but was unsuccesful. I think the problem lies with no affordable housing. I dont think its right that I have had to move house 5 times in 5 years, through no fault of my own. I have had to start again 5 times. Cant do it again. My gp told me that moving house is the one of the most stressful things you can do. No wonder Ive no energy! Have a secure tenancy would be a life changing thing for my children and I. Thanks for the replies folks.

hermum

Hi, have you spoken to your energy suppliers to see if the amount you repay weekly can be reduced? I know that it will take longer to repay but may give you a few pounds extra a week.
Are all your housing associations lumped in with the council for social housing in your area? If not have you applied to each of them individually?
What is your disability, if your housing affects your disability than you should have higher banding or more points however your council works. Make sure that everything is on your application form that is relevant, shelter would be a good place to go for advice.
A packed lunch for your son while not being what he would choose, would mean that there's a lot of cash freed up. Or could he wash cars, walk dogs or similar & pay for his own lunches, above what it would cost you to give him a packed lunch.
If you look around the forum there are lots of different threads on how to reduce spending, the Old Style is brilliant, http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/forumdisplay.php?f=33
it won't bring in extra money but may help reduce your expenditure.
There's also Up Your Income, http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/forumdisplay.php?f=145 could give you some tips on earning a bit extra. Is there any way that you could change your job ( I know pretty dodgy at the moment if it's a secure job) so that you don't need to pay such a chunk in transport costs, or car share?