New to Income Support

Oldernotwiser

moonbeam2007 wrote: »

I thought IS was for people who got no help from fathers? sorry I may be totally wrong but I thought that if he pays you it went back to IS to cover what they were giving you??? I'm unsure

That used to be the case, it changed last year.

merlin68

Any treats that were available went out the window when Mr Cameron was voted in.

cazbie16

Sorry to offend anybody, I shall go back to just asking the very helpful mums at school that are single and living on benefits that suggested that these things are available to me now for advice. I feel very upset that anyone would think I'm trying to be a sponger when all I want is to provide my kids with some happy memories during these difficult days

cazbie16

As for the person who said that any treats the kids were getting now should carry on, we haven't been able to provide them with much in that way for some time as part of the reason for my hubby moving out is financial stress, debts, relationship breakdown etc.

Jowo_2

For advice how to handle debt, go to the Debt Free wanabee board - the members there will give you sound advice on your options for dealing with them so they don't have a major impact on your disposable income.

HRV

In our local authority you can get a discounted leisure pass for swimming etc if on benefits (inc. some levels of WTC) which means swimming is cheaper (for adults and obviously free for kids) also other sports stuff is reduced. Also in our LEA families on the benefits your talking about get reduced residential trips in school (half price).

I understand this is a tricky time for you and your kids- sounds like you have sorted out most things you will be entitled to though- If your getting 500 a month from the kids dad you shouldnt be doing too bad a the beneits your getting should provide enough for you to live- the maintenance should provide the extras to make life a little more fun- good luck

cazbie16

Thanks HRV, this is exactly the type of reply I wanted.

We are in talks with the people we owe money too and it will be a by product of the separation that some of these debts will be easier to find the money for. I would truely rather have my husband home here supporting us with his presence rather that scrounging off the government to provide us with this extra income. Have never been on benefits before and I'm shocked and sickened by the amount the government is willing to hand over to us, although grateful of course. I can now sympathise how difficult it must be for people to return to work when they have been living with this level of income. I hope that this separation will give us time to sort our heads and hearts out and truly truly never ever wanted to be in this situation ever....the extra income will just help support us whilst my hubby has to find alternative accomodation, maybe a new job as his employer is about to go under, and get us out of the rut that 24yrs of being together and 4 kids have put us in.

Jowo_2

I always recommend someone who is experiencing a squeeze on their budget, or a change of financial circumstances, to download the MSE budget planner on the free tools section. Work through all the MSE site, forums and main site, to identify cheaper tariffs, frugal living tips and so forth. For example, there is an MSE member who published a website full of nutritionist approved recipes that feed a family of 4 for £100 per month.

You can double check your benefit entitlements on the Turn2us online benefit checker. For a single parent with 4 children below college age this is likely to be up to £315 per week composed of approx £190 tax credits, £60 child benefit and £65 income support.

With your child maintenance of a minimum of £125 per week, it takes up your weekly income to potentially around £440 per week (22k net per year) with the additional benefit of perhaps free school meals, either all or the majority of your rent and council tax paid.

If it is debts that is stopping you from affording treats from your children, then visit the DFW board, as you have the potential to enjoy a standard of living equivalent to a taxable salary of 28k with none of the expense of major outgoings like council tax, rent or school meals.

The members of the Debt free wanabee board can scrutinise your income/expenses and suggest ways to up the income and decrease the expenses, plus will help you identify the most appropriate debt repayment strategy. They will advise you how to post a SOA to facilitate this,tell you where to get free expert debt advice and so forth.

cazbie16

Thanks Jowo, I've been an avid fan of this site for a few years now and have already the lowest utility tariffs, insurance etc. and just last week got my Sky discounted for 6 mths. I have every intention of scouring this site for any other savings I can make. Might give the budget planner a go, although my head feels full of cotton wool at mo having to take on so much info.

Your calculations re benefits are spot on and after applying for it all on Friday I'll be attending an interview on Wed with Jobcentre to go through application and provide relevant paperwork. I knew that the sooner I applied the better so that anything owed could be backdated.

As for the Debt advice, I have yet to go through my outgoings (budget planner will come in handy me thinks) and until I start having the benefits coming in I can't get things straight in my head. My hubbys wages are still going in to my account at mo as he hasn't got a bank account and until thats set up he's agreed that he will support us til benefits do come through. At the mo I'm having to give him money to live! I'm sure within the next few weeks we'll be able to see things a little clearer and things will straighten out, you may then see me over on the debt boards.

welshmoneylover

cazbie16 wrote: »

As for the person who said that any treats the kids were getting now should carry on, we haven't been able to provide them with much in that way for some time as part of the reason for my hubby moving out is financial stress, debts, relationship breakdown etc.

Surely it is down to you and your husband to provide treats for your children?

Not rely on the taxpayer to support them while you frittered money away getting yourselves into debt.

The debt is your own fault and I think its cheeky of you to expect benefits to help you out.