Housing Benefit claim rejection nightmare - PLEASE HELP!

AlexDav81

Hi Sixer, thanks for your input. We are considering a cheaper place (natch), it's just that we don't realistically have the means to put forward the rent and bond in advance to do so.

My partner isn't 25 until next year btw.

LL30

I think it's a big shock to the system when you've been in work and then suddenly you're faced with the benefits system. What you're used to living on, and what the govt considers that you can live on, are two totally separate things. Lady G isn't trolling, just stating facts. Honestly, even though I know that's hard to hear. If you were both out of work, you'd get £105 (ish) a week to live on - that is the minimum the govt set. So you're not to far shy of that, hence why you may be entitled to a little HB.

You have to adapt, and quickly. Get to the debt free wannabes board and do a statement of affairs so they can help you out. I'm a single Mum, just been made redundant and due to some serious c0ck ups, I have no money coming in at all - is anyone bothered? Nope nope nope, and I have a child to provide for. Seriously, your situation isn't dire, there are ways to work with what you have got, at least you have that

LL30

Sorry Lady G - just crossed posts

Lady_gaga

LL30 wrote: »

Sorry Lady G - just crossed posts

No worries

AlexDav81

As I say, we're looking into finding somewhere cheaper but (and it's a fairly significant but) we do not have a spare £800-1,000 up front for the rent and bond to do so. That's a major part of the problem.

I think too many people make assumptions about you when you question the system. It patently is discriminatory towards some social groups (young working class single males, particularly).

LL30, I completely sympathise when stupid errors are made. I used to work with the vulnerably housed and I personally know that some people ended up roofless because of what basically amounted to an admin error by the local council.

Re: a few people's comments about outgoings, this was reviewed as soon as I found out I was being made redundant. Both myself and my partner run a tight ship. But enough from me, the people have spoken.

Thanks for your input anyhow...

LL30

Might be worth seeing if there's a bond system with your council - they have a list of landlords that accept it, although I'm not sure what the eligibility criteria (if any) is, worth a shot though!

I really would recommend doing a statement of affairs on the DFW board - honestly, there are some genius ideas and ways to save, enough when you think you've done all you can.

Yup stupid errors suck. I too have always worked, contributed lots of tax and I'm now in a very difficult position. My Mum's words were: they can't let you starve. My response: just watch them. (I might starve, but you'll be damned if my daughter does!) Good luck!

FullTimeBadMan

My partner and I have less coming into the house, with higher rent and council tax and we manage to live just fine. :S You need to cut down on your outgoings- willing to bet you've got Sky/Virgin and an expensive phone contract.

debbie_doo

regarding moving to a cheaper property - when you have been on income based JSA for 26 weeks ( which I'm assuming your on at the moment) you can apply for a loan from the social fund which can help with bonds and moving costs and you just repay a small amount from your JSA each fortnight, just a suggestion :-)

Lady_gaga

debbie_doo wrote: »

regarding moving to a cheaper property - when you have been on income based JSA for 26 weeks ( which I'm assuming your on at the moment) you can apply for a loan from the social fund which can help with bonds and moving costs and you just repay a small amount from your JSA each fortnight, just a suggestion :-)

He must be on conts based JSA as his partner works full time, so this will end after 26 weeks max

AlexDav81

FullTimeBadMan; y'see this is the problem when people just make stupid assumptions based on zero evidence. My phone contract is £20 a month and I/we don't have Sky, gym membership or anything like that presently or will we likely do in the future. Why do you think I would have these things?

For years, after my rent, my biggest outgoing by miles has been a study loan for a professional qualification (it was the only way I could afford to do it). For six years I have been able to service this debt, it's only been a problem in the last two months. I have already asked the bank several times if they will reconsider the amount I'm paying but they're just not interested in helping me.