Just received 'Housing Benefit changes' letter, not sure of the implications.

Dunroamin

whitelabel wrote: »

because people with illnesses, may not read the news watch papers that you do...
and they have received a letter today out of the blue

i admit i think I first heard of it last jan ?
but my friend hadnt till today...

Perhaps a true friend would have told her so she had longer to prepare.

heathcote123

whitelabel wrote: »

that may be
but that person is going to be severely affected by the fact they are being in effect evicted from the security of their surroundings and possessions which they have to sell (not much real value) / dispose of ?
worst government decision ... ever

Even if it only makes a small percentage of people realise that they will only get a reasonable standard of living by going to work and earning it for themselves, it could possibly be the single best government decision ever.

Sandwich

mynameistallulah wrote: »

Well then you have to take some personal responsibility here. This has been covered by the media, and of course it was in the Budget. Even if you don't read the whole thing, it is very easy to scan through the report and pick out the bits that apply to you - that is what I do. You did not do this, and hence you did not know.

I do sympathise with your position, but the fact is that you should have been aware of this in advance of the LA informing you.

So you don't think the LA has a responsibility to inform people on benefits in good time that there are going to be cuts to those benefits that will mean that they will have to move house?

As whitelabel said, not everyone reads the budget or keeps up with the papers so you can't just say, 'oh well it's your fault, you should have read the papers'. I do keep up with the news for the most part and I didn't see anything on this.

PasturesNew

I'm single and a LOT older than the 35 year age limit - and I've always worked. I've never been able to afford a 1-bed flat to rent, I always rent studios - and not the modern/shiny ones either!

Dunroamin

Sandwich wrote: »

So you don't think the LA has a responsibility to inform people on benefits in good time that there are going to be cuts to those benefits that will mean that they will have to move house?

I have some sympathy for someone on benefits who's housebound or who's mentally ill not having taken notice of the news. I have rather less sympathy for someone who's claiming benefits as a way of completing a PhD!

mynameistallulah

Sandwich wrote: »

So you don't think the LA has a responsibility to inform people on benefits in good time that there are going to be cuts to those benefits that will mean that they will have to move house?

As whitelabel said, not everyone reads the budget or keeps up with the papers so you can't just say, 'oh well it's your fault, you should have read the papers'. I do keep up with the news for the most part and I didn't see anything on this.

You have been given notice, have you not? If you want to find out sooner, the information is freely available.

If you were in work and heard about your employer making changes, but it was unclear what these changes were, would you not try to find out more information?

Sandwich

heathcote123 wrote: »

Even if it only makes a small percentage of people realise that they will only get a reasonable standard of living by going to work and earning it for themselves, it could possibly be the single best government decision ever.

The vast majority of people on benefits do want to work, and a lot of those that don't have good reason not to (i.e. mental health issues, medical issues).

The real problem is that there aren't enough jobs out there. I can't tell you the number of jobs I've applied for over the past year. Too many to count. But I can't find anything permanent or full-time.

In my part of the country (Birmingham, there are around 51,000 job seekers) and only 7000 jobs. That means there's more than 7 applicants for each job. So please don't act like it's just a matter of getting down to the job centre, because it's not that simple.

princessdon

As much as I agree that something needs to be done and I agree with the decsion as there isn't much money to go around.

I have to admit to it being unfair that they seem to send letters like this when the recipients can't contact them for 4 days! Much fairer to send out on a Monday, seems really cruel to send such letters before such a long weekend and I imagine those affected will be wanting to talk to someone.

Sandwich

mynameistallulah wrote: »

You have been given notice, have you not? If you want to find out sooner, the information is freely available.

If you were in work and heard about your employer making changes, but it was unclear what these changes were, would you not try to find out more information?

Less than 2 month's notice isn't enough time.

whitelabel

Dunroamin wrote: »

Perhaps a true friend would have told her so she had longer to prepare.

or that they do not share their personal details to people....
only now in desperation

Im not a relative or have overly regular contact - through their wish

you cant force your way into some ones life, let alone some one with mental and physical issues

your lucky that youve never had either i guess or have to deal with them or you would know