Benefits advce needed

fifi2212

Hi,
I really need some help regarding benefits. I have tried to contact my local CAB but they are just giving alternative numbers to call where no one answers.

I am 23 years old and currently live with my ex partner who I have a joint mortgage with. My ex is taking over the mortgage and I am moving in to rental property.
I currently earn approx £12500pa and I really cannot afford to pay rent and all my bills etc and really need some help.
What benefits, if any, will I be entitled to?

msmicawber

Hi Fifi,

You could look at https://www.entitledto.com and enter your details in there, but unless you have dependants, or a disability, I don't think you would be entitled to anything as your salary should be enough to cover rent, bills, etc. If you don't think you can manage financially, then you would probably be advised to look for a room in a shared house or flat.

Best wishes.

fifi2212

I dont have any dependants and with my salary there is definitely no way I can cover all of my bills.
Also due to an embarrassing illness (which is not a disability) I can't live with someone else.

Its been suggested to me by a council employee that if I got pregnant I would get more help!:mad:

msmicawber

Yes, you probably would get some help with rent etc. if you were pregnant, but don't forget once the child is born he or she costs money - usually a lot more in food, clothing, childcare, etc. than the state assistance given.

How about looking for a better paid job, or a second job?

fifi2212

Well there is absolutely no way I will be having a child just to get benefit help. Its just not an options, I was just appalled it was suggested to me!

Unfortunately due to my illness I would have difficuty finding someone who would be willing to employ me with my sickness record and I am constantly tired because of it so a second job would not be possible.
I am not scared of hard work at all, I've worked hard all my life its just at the moment its not really a possibilty.

Maisie

fifi2212 wrote: »

Well there is absolutely no way I will be having a child just to get benefit help. Its just not an options, I was just appalled it was suggested to me!

Unfortunately due to my illness I would have difficuty finding someone who would be willing to employ me with my sickness record and I am constantly tired because of it so a second job would not be possible.
I am not scared of hard work at all, I've worked hard all my life its just at the moment its not really a possibilty.

Good for you fifi as to not having a child to get benefits.

My friend's daughter was told the only way she could get a council property would be to get pregnant. I think it's disgusting that councils even suggest this but seems that's how it works.

She works hard and will never be able to get on the housing ladder to buy.

I don't know anything about benefits but isn't working tax credit supposed to help those who work?

All the very best.

maisie

msmicawber

Me too - do you think the Council employee was a Daily Mail reader?:rotfl:

I'm sorry you're in such a difficult position, and understand your difficulty with needing an employer who's understanding of your health problems.

There's another thread lower down about Tax Credits. Maybe once you're 25 you could apply for them, but I can't think of anything else in the meantime. I'd definitely recommend that you keep trying the CAB - they're oversubscribed at times, but great once you do get through.

Polovski

I don't mean to pry but are you sure that your helath problem couldn't be registered as a disability?

If it could (and this doesn''t mean that you have to claim benefits) then all absences from work due to said disability have to be recorded seperately to sickness absence so that you are not put at a disadvatage when looking for work and asking for references.

look here to see if you meet the legal definition of disabled
http://www.drc.org.uk/your_rights/are_you_being_discriminated_ag/definition_of_disability.aspx

msmicawber

Polovski's raised an excellent point. There are also certain chronic conditions for which you can get capped utility bills. It's also worth checking the utilities boards for more information as that could be a way of affording your bills despite being on a low income.

fifi2212

Well my condition is severe IBS, I know it doesn't sound awful but to be honest its taking over my life. The pain is unbearable and its such an embarrassing condition, but unfortunately my consultant has not found how to control it yet - thats why the sickness at work is a problem.
Although you'd think working for the NHS they would understand:rolleyes:

So I dont think it counts as a disability.
I just think sometimes the benefit system is all wrong - if you work for a living you just don't seem to get that extra help you need sometimes.
But yet they reward you for not having a job! I'm not saying that all those on benefits are taking the mick but those few who do, make it so hard for the rest of us.

Ok I think I have finished ranting now:rotfl:

msmicawber

Hi Fifi,

IBS can be very unpleasant, and I can understand your reticence in living with strangers. Have you been tested for coeliac disease? That has much the same symptoms, but is often not tested for.

As for the financial help while you're on a low wage - yes, isn't that exactly what we were told tax credits were for. Please do have a look on the utilities board and see you may be entitled to capped water bills or anything. It won't completely remove your problems, but may help.

Good luck.