Social Fund - Budgeting loan

Edinburghlass_2

uponahill wrote: »

Isn't that what a forum is all about? All points of view discussed whether you agree with them or not.

Or are you looking for people who will only sympathise with you and pass on comments that you want to hear?

No, its not what this forum is about at all, the OP asked a question and doesn't require a lecture on budgeting from you.

We do have a budgeting board and a discussion board if you wish to discuss your excellent budgeting skills

samwich1979

I have used a social fund loan once last year and got £71.00, this was to feed my baby son who was only a month old at the time and my self and my husband, as i was on maternity leave and was really struggling to meet all my bills etc.

I certainly dont think it should be used for something trivial as my car wont pass its MOT or a holiday etc, this is just abuse of the system but washing machines and fridge freezers in certain circumstances yes that is maybe acceptable.

I do agree that people should budget for these kind of things if it is possible and it can be done whether on benefits or not in my opinion. Putting a small amount away each week cant hurt, even a couple of quid is something.
As someone said above we all have to take responsibility for our own finances and make sure you dont go short.

wellynever

samwich1979 wrote: »

I have used a social fund loan once last year and got £71.00, this was to feed my baby son who was only a month old at the time and my self and my husband, as i was on maternity leave and was really struggling to meet all my bills etc.

I certainly dont think it should be used for something trivial as my car wont pass its MOT or a holiday etc, this is just abuse of the system but washing machines and fridge freezers in certain circumstances yes that is maybe acceptable.

I do agree that people should budget for these kind of things if it is possible and it can be done whether on benefits or not in my opinion. Putting a small amount away each week cant hurt, even a couple of quid is something.
As someone said above we all have to take responsibility for our own finances and make sure you dont go short.

Did you even read what i had typed ?

I could put down i want to build a rocket to fly to the moon and i would still get a loan, Helps being in the support group as they know i cannot drive or have a holiday,

And as for putting something away, Well thats what my credit cards are for, Yes shock horror people on benefits have credit cards.

uponahill

Edinburghlass wrote: »

No, its not what this forum is about at all, the OP asked a question and doesn't require a lecture on budgeting from you.

We do have a budgeting board and a discussion board if you wish to discuss your excellent budgeting skills

Maybe there is but my comments are as valid as others are.

I was suggesting that instead of taking out a loan and having to repay it out of income (benefits) why hadn't the poster considered doing it in the reverse way - save the money that they will have to pay back each week/two weeks and buy the item(s) then?
There would then be no need for a loan.

I thought most people saw it that way. Buy things when you have saved up the money.

Or am I missing the point?

uponahill

samwich1979 wrote: »

I have used a social fund loan once last year and got £71.00, this was to feed my baby son who was only a month old at the time and my self and my husband, as i was on maternity leave and was really struggling to meet all my bills etc.

I certainly dont think it should be used for something trivial as my car wont pass its MOT or a holiday etc, this is just abuse of the system but washing machines and fridge freezers in certain circumstances yes that is maybe acceptable.

I do agree that people should budget for these kind of things if it is possible and it can be done whether on benefits or not in my opinion. Putting a small amount away each week cant hurt, even a couple of quid is something.
As someone said above we all have to take responsibility for our own finances and make sure you dont go short.

Thank you for seeing it the right way.

People seem to see the state as a never ending supply of money yet fail to consider that everyone should wherever possible take responsibility for themselves.

If my car had ever broken down it would have stayed that way until I could afford to repair it.
Same goes for a washing maching. Many have been the hours throughout the night in the kitchen when I have stripped the Indesit washing machine down to replace bearings, second hand motor, rubber drive strap etc. That particular machine was as good after 22 years of use (including the extra washing needed for twins and their terry nappies).

If we didn't have the money we just did without until we had it by saving. We used to enjoy a glass of wine 30 years ago, but couldn't afford to buy any. So for Christmas I was given a starter kit and used to make my own!

uponahill

wellynever wrote: »

Did you even read what i had typed ?

I could put down i want to build a rocket to fly to the moon and i would still get a loan, Helps being in the support group as they know i cannot drive or have a holiday,

And as for putting something away, Well thats what my credit cards are for, Yes shock horror people on benefits have credit cards.

What has being in the Support Group of ESA got to do with not being known or seen to be able to drive or have a holiday?

I'm in the Support Group and the DWP know full well that I can drive. I have a Motability Car!
As for holidays, we go away twice a year within the UK and the DWP know that too.

Being ill or disabled or both does not mean your life has ended. You adjust your way of life to make sure that there is very little impact on lifestyle.
If I wanted to crawl in a corner and say - oh woa is me, most would probably understand and give me buckets of sympathy. Despite my inabilities I try to lead as near normal a life as I can.

Morlock

uponahill wrote: »

I do not believe that people on benefit cannot afford to put £10 a week aside

You are using an example where a claimant is lucky enough to get £100 in benefits, the majority of benefit claimants do not receive £100 per week.

I would challenge you to save £10 per week when your only income is £53.45 per week. Add in to the mix that you are responsible for two children three days a week, now try saving £10.

You are comparing your own situation with everyone else, when in reality a lot of claimants live on half the money or less that you get each week.

Anubis_2

uponahill wrote: »

Thank you for seeing it the right way.

People seem to see the state as a never ending supply of money yet fail to consider that everyone should wherever possible take responsibility for themselves.

If my car had ever broken down it would have stayed that way until I could afford to repair it.
Same goes for a washing maching. Many have been the hours throughout the night in the kitchen when I have stripped the Indesit washing machine down to replace bearings, second hand motor, rubber drive strap etc. That particular machine was as good after 22 years of use (including the extra washing needed for twins and their terry nappies).

If we didn't have the money we just did without until we had it by saving. We used to enjoy a glass of wine 30 years ago, but couldn't afford to buy any. So for Christmas I was given a starter kit and used to make my own!

When you are under 25 and have just over £50 a week it is difficult to save as you still have water, gas, electric to pay as well as food.

Additionally someone with children would not have time to save if their washer broke - however when ours broke we went to the laundrette and then saved to rent one.

They do not give loans out for drugs, alcohol or cars fixing, or fir holidays, they are VERY strict on what they give it out for and it has to be PAID BACK.

In a perfect world everyone would put the perfect fiver away, but we do not live in a perfect world and it really is difficult to put money away. Every time I had a spare tenner, it would have to be used for kids shoes, or unexpected bus fare etc even when working.

Seriously for those trying to manage and run a house off £60 a week it's no fun, and some of these people have worked for years and suddenly lost their job and are having to adjust. If you are not at work you are also likely to use more energy, and prices today are expensive for everyone.

Don't judge until you have walked in their shoes. Some people have had to go from having their own home and working to their home repossessed and living in a bedsit. Not everyone who claims benefits is lazy....

Morlock

Edinburghlass wrote: »

We do have a budgeting board and a discussion board if you wish to discuss your excellent budgeting skills

Unbelievable, advocating personal responsibility whilst claiming to be able to save money each week from state disability benefits!

wellynever

uponahill wrote: »

What has being in the Support Group of ESA got to do with not being known or seen to be able to drive or have a holiday?

I'm in the Support Group and the DWP know full well that I can drive. I have a Motability Car!
As for holidays, we go away twice a year within the UK and the DWP know that too.

Being ill or disabled or both does not mean your life has ended. You adjust your way of life to make sure that there is very little impact on lifestyle.
If I wanted to crawl in a corner and say - oh woa is me, most would probably understand and give me buckets of sympathy. Despite my inabilities I try to lead as near normal a life as I can.

Good for you to be able to do all of this,

But me being Agoraphobic ( not the type of Agoraphobic who can pop to the shops with help now and again ) have not left the house for many years,

And I'm not looking for the oh wow is me as i have a fantastic life and a very loving family, And enough money to enjoy it.