MOOLOO'S continuing saga Part 4

Errata

Mooloo wrote: »

I contacted the other Charity, the one that is starting to help twin1, as they have a charity shop in the town, although it is not open often enough. I have offered my services to help them out. I feel that I should volunteer and see how I am up to working. So I will be going to an interview with them on Tuesday. I am sure that I will be able to help them for at least one day a week. I feel quite excited about the prospect of it.

Forwarned is forarmed so to speak.

Sorry I can't remember, are you on ESA? If so, is it ok for you to do voluntary work?

t_obermory

I also don't post very often but do read regularly. Mooloo I think you're doing a sterling job; we've all snapped at our kids and said things in anger, none of us are perfect.

I certainly don't think uprooting your granddaughter would do her any favours you're doing the best you can with a difficult situation and you should be commended for that.

I did wonder though reading about the bedroom issues if it would be possible for your granddaughter's Mum to move in with you? That way she'd be able to play a more active role in her daughters life and take some of the pressure off you? Presumably her carers could help at your house which would help you all out?

My son started reception this week too and he's certainly grumpier than usual so I'm sure its a common phase they all go through, I'm sure in a few weeks they'll all be cheerier.

Savvy_sewing

t_obermory wrote: »

I also don't post very often but do read regularly. Mooloo I think you're doing a sterling job; we've all snapped at our kids and said things in anger, none of us are perfect.

I certainly don't think uprooting your granddaughter would do her any favours you're doing the best you can with a difficult situation and you should be commended for that.

I did wonder though reading about the bedroom issues if it would be possible for your granddaughter's Mum to move in with you? That way she'd be able to play a more active role in her daughters life and take some of the pressure off you? Presumably her carers could help at your house which would help you all out?

My son started reception this week too and he's certainly grumpier than usual so I'm sure its a common phase they all go through, I'm sure in a few weeks they'll all be cheerier.

To be truthful, I really dont think I could cope with Mum staying here all the time. I think she would "do my head in" so to speak. She is very hard work, then there would be the issue of her sister, and the whole rigmarole would start again. She would depend on me even more, and I am too soft and would be even further out of pocket!. I have to be selfish on this one, and say, that it would not be of any benefit. It would also put a strain on who was the boss, and had the final say on things. I may not agree with what Mum does or doesnt think appropriate for DGD. But I do know where you were coming from. In an ideal world.
I will have to dig deep and find the funds.

I believe that I am allowed to do volunteering, as they incourage us to find ways to get back into the work force, and that is the usual route they would suggest, when having been ill for such a long time.
It also is a way to see if I am fit enough to actually do work, without the employers having invested funding in taking me on etc. and finding out that I was not suitable.
meanwhile it will hopefully keep my sanity, be something that I can put on my CV, and a way to meet other adults etc. I will also be still doing something for the community, and for my girls as its the charity that is supporting them.
Twin1 is happy enough with the lady that started today, and is already talking about the improvements and the things that they are going to do together.

She is here this evening, and will be taking DGD to school for me tomorrow as I have the other granddaughter. That is only until around November, when she can start her day in Nursery.

I heard this afternoon, cannot remember if I posted. But the grandad and his wife are actually going to have DGD for the weekend next weekend. That is good. It is a lovely break for me, and I look forward to it greatly.

minimoneysaver

That is good news! You'll get a chance to rest and get some jobs done in the house.

Eager_Elephant

tootallulah wrote: »

Mooloo, I am a great believer in knowing what may happen but not forcing it to happen, if you see what I mean. It will take councils years to work through under-occupancy etc and yes, you may be one of the first to have to move but you may not ever have to move. And you regularly have your son or one of your daughters to stay to help you with your grand daughter, and they need somewhere they can stay over, don't they! If you can make it work financially I would try and stay where you are as the extra room will give you a sewing sanctuary. It is great to hear that you are feeling fitter, it certainly sounds like you have been able to do much more in the house and garden. To the poster with "opinions" it is hardly surprising to have a slightly cranky four year old in her first week at school, it's tiring! She is secure in a loving family and that is the main thing.

Unfortunately the rules on under-occupancy will apply from April 2013 to everyone under pension age who claims Housing Benefit.

If you have 1 'spare' bedroom the deduction is 14% of your HB
If you have 2 or more 'spare' bedrooms then the deduction is 25% of your HB.

Local Authorities are contacting social landlords etc to get the right figures re number of people in the house and bedrooms and all this information will be loaded on to Housing Benefit in time for the change in 2013.

People do not have to move, if they want to stay where they are then they have to pay.

Mooloo - really sorry but I cannot remember how old you are? If you are near pension age then the rent deficit you have to pay will stop once you reach pension age.

It will be very interesting to see what social housing landlords do as a lot of single people were allowed 2 bedroom properties as there are not enough 1 bedroom properties and now they are being penalised. In our area non-resident parents who had access to their children were given 2 bedroom properties but under the new rules they are not counted (it is the parent who gets child benefit who is allowed the child on their claim) so these people will have a shortfall in rent to pay.

When I have new clients to see I am discussing all these changes with them as not many are aware of it - I know it is months away but if people want to move they have to think about it now.

Also - sorry to be the bearer of bad news - Council Tax Benefit will no longer exist in it's current form from April 2013 and instead each council will have it's own scheme - it is likely that people of working age (on benefits) will have to pay between 5 - 20% of their Council Tax bill as money needs to be saved and this is the easiest way.

I say treat everyone the same and make pensioners also have an under-occupancy rule and have to pay council tax :rotfl:

maman

Eager_Elephant wrote: »

I say treat everyone the same and make pensioners also have an under-occupancy rule and have to pay council tax :rotfl:

Don't mean to muscle in on mooloo's thread but what's the reasoning behind pensioners being exempt? They probably have more under-occupancy than other age groups.

Eager_Elephant

maman wrote: »

Don't mean to muscle in on mooloo's thread but what's the reasoning behind pensioners being exempt? They probably have more under-occupancy than other age groups.

You are so right but without wishing to be too cynical - who do you think is the biggest group of voters;)

In my area lots of social housing are offering some nice incentives to downsize but why would they when they get to keep a house they have lived in all their lives with the majority not needing to pay any rent.

Ooh it makes me so cross - I am encouraging lots of my clients into sheltered as we have loads available (of the right age obv) and it seems to be working.

Errata

Better get this thread back on track Elephant before you get accused of benefit bashing.

Mooloo - if you take into account the amount of money you give the girls and your son you might find it actually adds up to more than any reduction in your HB and CTB. And now that DGD is at school you should have more time to 'sew and sell'.

Savvy_sewing

I am a long way away from Pension age. I am only 51.
I have been number crunching this morning, and I have decided that as you say Errata, if I dont help the kids out financially, I will probably be saving even. Although I never really keep a proper record. Always start it, but then forget to add to it.! my organisational skills are leaving a lot to be desired of late.
Those who knew me at work, would be horrified at how dissorganised I have become at home. (Well always was at home).
I didnt know about the council tax changes. I will look at those as well then. I will be cutting a fine line when the funding for DGD runs out in April 2014. Until then if I stop wasting money, I will be OK.
After then, I will not be able to afford any luxuries what so ever for us, and the car will have to go. A gloomy thought, if I was to dwell on it. I will not be able to bring her up with the usual things we take for granted. The Sky Tv, the car, the holiday. But then there are a lot of people who are going to be in the same boat. We will all just have to hope we have life jackets on!.
I doubt I would ever be able to make much of the sewing, cover my costs and the enjoyment of it perhaps. I will try though.
However I will have to make sure that I start to catalogue what I am spending on fabrics etc, and make sure that I am not stock piling anymore. I shall have to remember that I have a lot of fabrics in the loft that can be used to create with. Perhaps if I can get the area to sew organised, I will at least cover my costs of my indulgence into fabrics and second hand clothes. I have seen some very inspirational blogs on the net, and some lovely Moodboards with Office areas etc that inspire me. The trick is to put it all into action, without breaking the bank.
Twin2 actually paid me back £20 that she leant at the beginning of the week. Amazing. It was just as well, as I didnt have any cash left yesterday either. So I didnt draw any out of the bank. Bonus as thats rather low till I get my savings etc back on track, and sorted. But as long as I dont go silly with my spending for Christmas, and make most of the presents, which I intend to do, I think that we will be fine.
My Blow out spend was buying DGD's birthday present. She is 5 two weeks yesterday. On the 4th.
I have bought a swing/slide combination for the garden. The garden is so big it can take it. It will also come in handy when DGD2 comes to play as sometimes is the case. (Or I bring her home if I am babysitting her). It will also come in handy for the friends and the like that come over. (And save me having to go to the park and que!).
But it was a good chunk at £130.

Today I met the carer for Twin1. She was kind enough to collect twin1 and DGD from my house and take them home. Then she was helping her to get the kitchen back in some sort of order, and had been playing games with DGD. I have a good feeling about the help that she will be getting. She also mentioned that the "boss" was going to be visiting twin2 next week, to see what they are going to put in place for her. This is going to be such a blessing to me.
Imagine the reduction in the stresses and worry, when they both have helpers! I think my prayers and shouts are finally being answered.
Onwards and upwards where ever that may lead me.

MatyMoo

I have been lucky enough to meet Mooloo and DGD (& Molly ) in the flesh and it is obvious that they have a great bond. All children have their challenging moments, especially when tired, but I wouldn't say that DGD is any more challenging than other children I have come across.

Mooloo, good luck with your interview next week, it really is wonderful news that you feel up to giving voluntary work a go. :j

You must be breathing a huge sigh of relief that the twins are getting some much needed outside help at long last.