So, so unhappy and peed off - advice please!

ahrimaniac

Hello there, I hope this is the right place :S

A little bit of history. I've been working all my life since I moved out at 16, and I'm 26 now. I used to work for an Regional Development Agency until last year when the Government decided it would shut everything down. I was told I was going to be made redundant and that my redundancy package would equate to a tiny sum of money. I was on £21K a year there as a legal secretary. So, deciding that the best course of action would be to secure another job ASAP, I left there ahead of facing the shop for a role in a well-known large charity.

The DAY after I started, they announced that my new role was unsafe, and sure enough, seven months down the line, I've been made redundant. Super. The payoff was slight - £1800 - and now I have no wage.

As soon as I lost my job, I went to the jobcentre and signed up for contributions based JSA, which I've been awarded. I'm looking for work and I don't in all honesty see it taking too long to get something (I hope).

However, I've also applied for housing benefit and told that we were ineligible, and also that as a household, we earn too much to qualify for any working tax credit.

Our finances are as follows: I get £270 a month in JSA, and my partner earns £16500 working in social care. That leaves us with about £1300 a month takehome. Minus the rent of £450, council tax of £110, bills of about £100, it's not a great amount and I can really see us struggling

That aside, I can't understand how we earn too much, especially to qualify for WTC. Is this right? Can anyone explain this to me?

And I have to say, so far nearly every single person I have spoken to regarding this at the JSA/HMRC have been bloody awful. Either they speak to you like you're a child or don't explain things at all.

I hate it. I hate the fact that I've always worked, and worked hard, and just feel like I've been shafted from all sides. Government took my job, charity messed me about something chronic, and now the system I've paid into all my life won't help me in return.

ahrimaniac

Sorry, I should add - we're a CP couple, no kids, no disabilities, not carers or the like.

nannytone_2

after rent. council tax and utilities, you still have in excess of £600 a month to live.
if you cant manage on this amount, in the short term, then you really need to be looking at cutting costs.

good luck with the job hunting!

bestpud

What does 'CP' stand for, please?

ahrimaniac

Thank you - but it's not so much the 'being able to manage' but rather the fact I can't claim much from something I pay into!

ahrimaniac

Civil Partnered

nannytone_2

i do understand how you feel.
i worked for many years, until i was unable to manage ( i'm registered blind) but because i live with my partner, i am unable to claim anything apart from my low rate DLA.
my partner has to pay for my glasses (free eye tests though!) and dental care. had to pay £136 last week to replace a filling and one more new filiing. it isnt my fault that i am not earning, but......................
money you pay into the system, isnt put in a pot with your name on for when you need it!

i know youre finding it a struggle right now, but you have good prospects.

i have often said on here, that childless couples and single people are the ones that the benefit system neglects. it's all geared towards families..........especially the ones that seem to churn out kids with no thought as to how they will provide for them!

ok rant over lol

seriously though....................it's hard in the short term but i'm sure your situation will improve.............good luck!

Mimi_Arc_en_ciel

If you nip on over to the "debt" section of MSE there is a thing called a "SOA Calculator"

Fill that out and post it on MSE Debt board - They can really help you cut costs

Magic_Sister

Hi. I can feel your frustrations and understand why you're peed off, but I think you now ned to look at the positives and the future.

You have a partner that you are happy and settled with (something I would love).
Your partner has work so thats a good thing.
As you don't qualify for HB, you can get registered with every agency in your area and take some temp work. Being on HB makes that virtually impossible, it's so complicated.
Get your CV as shiny as you can, your credentials from your work with the RDA will stand you in good stead, make sure that all your strengths are highlighted as this is what will get you on board with the agencies. (ie, typing speed if you want PA/ Admin work, IT literacy,
ability to pick up skills quickly etc) Don't be put off if the first work you get offered is a day or a week as they will want to test you out first. Once you have proven yourself as reliable, skilled and conscientious the agencies will find you regular work - it's how they make their money! You will need to declare any work that you have done to the JC and once it becomes regular you will be able to sign off.
Good Luck!

calleyw

I don't want to be rude but you are hardly living hand to mouth on £600 after rent and council tax.

You need to look at your spending and cut it where you can.

You are claiming all your are entitled and you have a partner who works.

Yours

Calley

dodger1

ahrimaniac wrote: »

Thank you - but it's not so much the 'being able to manage' but rather the fact I can't claim much from something I pay into!

Benefits are supposed to be for people in need. You are already being given £270 per month JSA, and with your partners salary you don't actually need any more help. I'm sorry you were made redundant but your joint income is more than sufficient to live on. You can only claim a small amount because you only need a small amount.