Advice please bad situation.

sariebeth

Rfo91 wrote: »

Thanks for the info!
If i apply for the discretionary housing benefit top up, could this effect the benefit they are giving me now? for example they stop my benefit altogether?
Edit: I don't have anything to sell

No it shouldn't effect your current benefit, but I'm no expert - I just know that a fair few of our tenants get it. It's definitely worth a go

I think someone already mentioned it but you could try freecycle for a cooker. I have a friend who only had a camping stove for a while...You don't need a washing machine, you can do it the good ole' fashioned way I used to wash my cloths in the bath. Not with me obviously. Wringing them out is a b*tch though http://images2.moneysavingexpert.com/images/forum_smilies/laughing-smiley-014.gif

Most important, don't let it get you down. You can deal with it, and stuff like this just makes you stronger. I know that's easier said than done...

Rfo91

Thanks everyone really appreciated.

DannyboyMidlands

I would suggest lodging with somebody or finding a cheap room in a shared house while you get back on your feet. I was able to do this for £350pcm including bills in London. It was only a single room and far from glamorous but it sorted me out financially.

See what you can find on sites like gumtree. Good luck.

elvis86

Why would you take on a house that you can't afford and then complain about not being able to afford it? Could you not have done those sums before you took the house? It's what most of us have to do before committing to paying for something, check that we can actually afford it. No doubt you expect the state to step in again and make up the shortfall?

You should have taken on a room somewhere. You don't have the luxury of being able to afford your own house.

tbs624

Anything constructive to add Elvis86?

elvis86

tbs624 wrote: »

Anything constructive to add Elvis86?

If by constructive, you mean suggestions as to ways that the OP can get his hands on more taypayers' money to pay for a house that he has rented despite knowing full well that he can't afford, no I haven't.

I fundamentally disagree with the OP's actions and am entitled to say as much. If someone posted asking for ideas as to how to dispose of a body, would you not expect anyone to protest at that either? I know some posters would prefer MSE to be a happy-clappy world where everyone agrees, but unfortunately I don't subscribe to that.

Besides, I'm busy. I'm going house-hunting in Cheshire for that country pile I've always fancied. I've obviously been going about things wrong all these years. Now I know better. You find the house you want first, you rent it, then when you can't afford the rent, you go cap in hand to the benefits office and they pay for it for you. Silly me making decisions based on what I can afford...:cool:

piglet25

Elvis86 - if you ever land on your butt be sure to come back here and tell me so I can talk to you in a condescending manner. Why bother posting?
And to the OP - if you have a friend whos on social networking sites like facebook or twitter ask them to put a shout out for some things for you, and there are facebook versions of freecycle too that you could try. Be sure to speak to your landlord about a second tennant and also if your daughter stays overnight wouldn't you be entitled to rent for a two bed house? Wishing you luck xx

cattie

elvis86 wrote: »

Why would you take on a house that you can't afford and then complain about not being able to afford it? Could you not have done those sums before you took the house? It's what most of us have to do before committing to paying for something, check that we can actually afford it. No doubt you expect the state to step in again and make up the shortfall?

You should have taken on a room somewhere. You don't have the luxury of being able to afford your own house.

No doubt when you are homeless & a property becomes available to you, you consider if you can afford the rent ( and to me £80 per week for a house sounds incredibly cheap as it wouldn't even get you a room in my area) but even if you do stop to think about utilities etc, you wouldn't have any real conception of the costs until you'd moved in. I expect the OP had assumed the whole rent would be covered by HB & his overwhelming concern was to get a roof over his head. He was no doubt overjoyed to find a house, where his child could come & stay.

Sometimes posters on MSE should take lessons in Humility. There is no need for rudeness, especially when you know next to nothing about the OP's circumstances or background.

rentergirl

Mrs_Arcanum wrote: »

Are you in a shared house?

If so, your rent should include the Gas & Electric as this is a shared bill (water you always have to pay yourself). If the rent were higher would HB pay more?

Erm...no it doesn't include heating. BAD advice. I would agree with those who suggest Discretionary Housing Payment, but go the council and tell them this as soon as you can. You will probably have to move. I am so sorry, this policy is really unfair, and will affect so many parents like you. Where are those silly men who wear superhero costumes and dangle on bungee ropes? THEY should be angry about this.

piglet25

Thats the problem with these new rates - people ARE going to be made homeless. On principle it was a good idea, but it should have been applied on a case by case basis as its too general and doesn't take individuals circumstances into account. I don't live anywhere near London, but how many rooms are there for £55 a week? or in the other cities? I know what you would get for that amount in my area and I wouldn't let my dog live in it, and this is what would be offically classed as deprived so goodness help those who live in 'good' areas. The Government were happy enough to watch all the rents go up with the house prices and now the bubbles burst and alot more people have had to rely on benefits they are kicking them while they are down - shameful.