New Boiler and other benefit questions

ahll

Hi all,
Can anyone help clarify some things for me ?

My friend lost her job and went to sign on for Job seekers allowance. She is still awaiting the verdict but has worked for the last 2 years. Can she apply for Income Based or does she have to go on Contributions based.

It important as she has no money and her boiler is dead on it feet (really old from 1960's we think) keep breaking down and she cant afford to keep getting a plumer in every few weeks.

Does anyone know if the is a scheme where she can get a free boiler preferable before the winter hits in.

The other issue is that she has been offered a job but the pay does not cover her bills..so if she signs off are there any benefits she can get to help so her getting into more debt ? She wants to be empolyed and the job is 90 miles from home one way so petrol costs are gonna be high also.

Seems a catch 22 unless you know different. If she takes the job she is gonna be £200 a month short for her bills (just ordinary bills) if she doesnt take it she is gonna be more £100's off being able to meet her monthly bills.

Any help appreciated on this...

Dognobs

More info needed loke does she have kids husband own house?

As for FREE boiler there was the http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Environmentandgreenerliving/Energyandwatersaving/Energygrants/DG_10018661

I used this to get a new boiler a few years back the boiler will have to be inspected and NOT WORKING

Edinburgh65

Tesco sell some oil filled heaters in their value range. I bought a very tiny one last winter for my kitchen for about £15-£20, and admittedly the rooms in my home are tiny, but it made a huge difference to the temperature in my house in the worst winter that I can remember.Worst case scenario she might be better buying something like that if she can't get any extra help (I don't think she will get any funding for a new boiler).

[Deleted User]

Dognobs wrote: »

More info needed loke does she have kids husband own house?

As for FREE boiler there was the http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Environmentandgreenerliving/Energyandwatersaving/Energygrants/DG_10018661

I used this to get a new boiler a few years back the boiler will have to be inspected and NOT WORKING

as i understand it the warm front scheme(as per link above)is now closed until april 2012 as it has run out of money and the criteria has changed as well recently
we`re all in it together dont ya know:eek:

skintandscared_2

My only advice would be firstly to go on comparison sites and check that utility bills are really as low as they could be. If your friend is physicaly able to work, having a job is always a better option than claiming benefits but that does seem like an awfully long journey. They can't have been unemployed for long if the JSA claim hasn't even come through yet - is there nothing closer to home they could apply for? I know jobs are thin on the ground though.

Also, seeing as they are only just unemployed, no offence but it seems odd they have only just decided that their ancient boiler suddenly needs replacing (for free). It has clearly been costing them a lot to maintain for a while and is something they should have sorted a long time ago. No doubt all the plumber's charges would have paid for a new one by now!

rogerblack

Investigate urgently if any energy saving measures can be done.
Cavity wall, or roof insulation schemes are often available to those on benefits at subsidised rates.

skater_kat

yes even putting foil behind the radiators

oh and wear lots of layers!!

Bogof_Babe

It's not just the heating though is it? They will need hot water, so unless they have an electric shower, and don't mind boiling kettles all the time, they will need a decent boiler sooner or later.

I wonder if British Gas have any pay-in-installments arrangements. Might be worth asking, although I think BG are dearer than independent gas fitters, but then they wouldn't be in a position to wait for their money.