It was getting tough in 2006 and the workhouse still threatens us in 2011

ceridwen

mardatha wrote: »

The housing people have offered to send us up some heaters on loan. Which was nice of them really, but we dont want to use them cos they will cost a bomb. Much better to use HWB and fleeces and move a$$ as much as poss.The RV always moaned about the coal fire- although he only had to empty/refill it once every 24 hours, he moaned every time. And now fate has decided, in the immortal words of all our mothers, to "give him something to moan about" !:rotfl:

Hmmm....just sayin' Mardatha - but I thought "Crikey!" when I spotted an earlier post of yours re how much coal costs you per week - wasnt it £34 per week if memory serves aright? I thought "Whew - Mardatha's fuel bill is pretty high each month - if shes having to spend £34 just for coal weekly and then electric will be on top of that:eek:". I havent checked my direct debits recently - but I think I'm on payments of £60 per month for both gas and electric (and thats it - no other fuel sources used here).

Point being - maybe those alternative heaters the housing association is offering to send you up might not actually work out any dearer? Might even be cheaper than that high amount that goes out on coal normally??

bluebag

drinkupretty wrote: »

Thanks for the links regarding help financing a new boiler, unfortunately we are not eligible for any help as we are not disabled and do not have children

Have a look here as it lists all the benefits that fit the criteria.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/moneytaxandbenefits/benefitstaxcreditsandothersupport/on_a_low_income/dg_10018661

RAS

drinkupretty wrote: »

OH just lost his job, I am currently not working as about to start back at uni training to become a social worker. We still haven't saved enough for a new boiler and what we have saved will probably be used to tide us over until OH gets another job. All I can say is thank god the freezer is full and that this winter is going to be interesting without central heating!

Check out here http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Easy-ways-to-stop-wasting-energy/Energy-saving-grants-and-offers/Grants-and-Discounts-Database

You may be able to get a grant towards your boiler. Certainly another OP on this forum got insulation and heating installed by them a couple of years ago.

[Deleted User]

bluebag wrote: »

Have a look here as it lists all the benefits that fit the criteria.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/moneytaxandbenefits/benefitstaxcreditsandothersupport/on_a_low_income/dg_10018661

Only benefit we will get is OH's JSA when it comes through, no pension credit (we're in our 20's lol), no ESA, no DLA, no kids or child related benefit and no income support.

ceridwen

NualaBuala wrote: »

Ceridwen - yes, get that positive vibe on girl! No doubt you can achieve anything you put your mind to. I will light a candle tonight and include your wish for a house upgrade in my intentions! Of course there's a lot to be said for being content with how things are but no harm in being open to improvements!

You have so much confidence in me:rotfl::rotfl:I wish I had half as much confidence in myself:(. I've just been talking to my oldest and best friend on the phone and informed her I'm treating her (and her husband) to a meal out with me and suggesting dates and a possible venue and told her to come back to me when they've sorted out which one they prefer and whether there is a venue they would like instead of my suggested one. Part of the conversation was her telling me (again!) how much I've achieved to date - one day I'll believe her:rotfl:. Okays - I'll never believe her when she says this - just be thankful that for some strange reason "an angel walking on the Earth" seems to want me for a friend...

....and...yep...I know. I DO know that some people would be quite content with the house I have now and I DO know that part of the reason why I "fume" at it is because most of us just assume (at some - probably very unconscious normally - level) that we will have one like our parents have. But - at a sheer practical level - the tiny kitchen and matchbox size garden are driving me nuts and its so difficult to fit a quarts worth of possessions into a pint pot house (ahem - those 23? shelves of books..:rotfl:) that I dont think I've got a hope in hell of the place ever looking remotely "presentable" with everything everywhere trying to cram it in (decluttered as I've done my best to be...:(). I'd not take a big house if I could get it - or any other aspect of "luxury" living - because somewhere or other I'd hear my parents in my earhole going "You dont NEED that - why do you want it?" and they dont expect much themselves and dont want me expecting much either ...and I'm very well aware that their hair would turn white (if it hadnt already) at me ever taking/keeping anything that yer average "reasonable person in the street" would consider "luxury" if I had the chance and they would have "summat to say" even about me having/keeping things that are regarded as pretty darn "ordinary" by yer average person in my generation (there have been COMMENTS by them before now when I've even expressed very "ordinary" level hopes/wishes/intentions..:().

I accept a lot of that - but I'm getting very close to throwing things at this house for being such a Matchbox personally (even whilst knowing it wouldnt feel that way to some...) and the location is also driving me "nuts".

Anyways...candle-lighting very welcome and thank you for the thought my lass..:D:T:A

jediteacher

Hello everyone.

Well, our holiday fell through as my little baby boy had to be rushed to hospital over the bank holiday weekend. It turns out he had viral meningitis and has been on quite a lot of medication and still is. We've not been officially discharged from hospital - we're on home leave and go in to have his medication given via drip. I can honestly say it was the most terrifying feeling when I was told what was wrong with him at hospital and within 30 minutes they had him on a drip, drugs and monitors. I'm just counting my blessings that he is ok now.

Our poor little girl had to be taken away by her grandparents as we've spent every hour at the hospital and stayed over night. I feel awful for her as this was meant to be a special week before she started school and I've not seen her. She comes home tomorrow. We're going to take her to Legoland (we have free tickets) on Monday and try and book something for October.

Ah well these things happen. I'm just counting my blessings that we seem to be over the worst. I'm certain my beloved granddad was looking after us from heaven and made sure that the grandson he never met recovered. :A

Just really wanted to pop in a give everyone here a virtual hug as you've all been so supportive. :A

rachbc

jedi ((((((()))))) So very very pleased he is on the mend - things like this can certainly put everything else into perspective xxxx

bonnie_bumpkins

drinkupretty wrote: »

Only benefit we will get is OH's JSA when it comes through, no pension credit (we're in our 20's lol), no ESA, no DLA, no kids or child related benefit and no income support.

Sorry to butt in... do you get full council tax relief as a student? If so, great! If not, you may be entitled to council tax benefit if OH is claiming JSA. I claimed JSA from end July and CTB was allocated to me as part of the application (bill reduced from £120 per month to £40 - phew!!)

littlecal

Jedi - what an awful time for you and your family,sending loads of(((((( hugs)))))) xx

[Deleted User]

bonnie_bumpkins wrote: »

Sorry to butt in... do you get full council tax relief as a student? If so, great! If not, you may be entitled to council tax benefit if OH is claiming JSA. I claimed JSA from end July and CTB was allocated to me as part of the application (bill reduced from £120 per month to £40 - phew!!)

I will get a 25% discount if OH is working but he is applying for council tax benefit, yes