'supporting each other through really tough times'

Possession

katieowl wrote: »

I'd like to say thanks to you guys on here for chatting about pensions, because it triggered a distant memory for me that I'd been sent a NI bill for my self employed contributions I can't find it, but I've just called them, and I hadn't imagined it... they are sending me a replacement! But if you'd not be talking about such stuff would have slipped my mind!

Kate

Kate you can set up a direct debit for those I think, DH had one when we had the catering business.
Fuddle any friends have internet nearby you can pop in and use? An internet cafe that will still be open when DH gets home? Alternatively ring the uni and explain you have no internet access and hope they will be able to put a note on your file.

katieowl_2

Possession wrote: »

Kate you can set up a direct debit for those I think, DH had one when we had the catering business.
Fuddle any friends have internet nearby you can pop in and use? An internet cafe that will still be open when DH gets home? Alternatively ring the uni and explain you have no internet access and hope they will be able to put a note on your file.

Yeah I'm going to do that, but I'll have to clear this one first I think. I should have done it ages ago, but was dithering about claiming small earnings exemption. I decided to pay it because of the pensions things afoot.

Kate

Pooky

Byatt - gorgeous Moggy, DDs saw him on FB last night and both went "awwwwww". Is he deaf? I know the majority of white cats are. Hope he brings you lots of purry joy.

I got my pension forecast earlier this year so know where I'm upto with contributions (there's a number to call on the HMRC website, they ask a few basic questions and then send out the forecast using the information according to your NI number, worth doing to see what the state of play is). The new figure of £144 per week was actually quite surprising to us. Currently we survive on a lot less (several £ks less in fact) and still pay a mortgage. I would feel quite rich on that.

I'm very greatful that I live in a country with a health service and a pension scheme and a benefit system, yes they all have their issues but my god we're lucky.

TudorRose

For all the Fray Bentos pie fans out there. Tesco have them at £1.00 a time today.
Ressited getting any for myself as have a few in the stores cupboard already.

SDG31000

meme30 wrote: »

Sevenup01:-Guessing here, ?dilated veins at back of Retina indecating high blood pressure?
You are right being a parent is a tough job for two people never mind you on your own. The good news is that as long as you are claiming Child Benefit you are receiving NI credits. You will get Child Benefit until your last one leaves Further Education. So work out how many years that will be and as long as it is over ten you will receive a state pension. After ten years it is calculated by adding up the contributing years. Full pensions will be paid to those who have 35 years of contributions.

Just popping in to say I have just checked this and you only get contributions until your child is 12. It used to be the whole time you were claiming but not any more. DH and I are looking into how much it will cost to top my pension up.

I have yet another viral infection, have had to cancel my London trip that I was going on this weekend and am feeling seriously sorry for myself at the moment. So I will post when I am less pitiful xxx

kidcat

Byatt - awww how gorgeous, he looks so comfortable and happy too

Fuddle - I was under the impression that if he doesnt file his dispute within 14 days then they close the case against you and return moines, likewise if he says he is disputing £300 and they ask for receipts, if he fails to provide them with the time they automatically close it again.

RAS

kezlou wrote: »

k
Pops is very lucky regarding his house, my father is having to pay extra to keep his 2 bed house going. My biological mother can't afford to pay the extra rent for the spare room she has. So either she has to find a two bed house for her and my little brother. Or a 1 bed flat / house and lil bro has to find his own place to live.
We don't know how it affects us yet as we have a 3 bed house but can only qualify for a 2 bed rate and thats not full rent.
Its just a case of waiting and seeing.

Check whether you can take a lodger to meet the bedroom requirements? Some providers allow it.

mama67

meme30 wrote: »

Yes, women were credited with NI credits as long as they claim Child Benefit, I think that still applies. Also some benefits like Invalidity/Incapacity add NI credits.

QUOTE]

This changed a couple of years back when they brought in the ruling that once youngest child was at secondary school then single parents were supposed to work for their "help".
This new ruling meant that the Child Benefit NI conts stopp when the youngest passes 12 birthday.

Unless this has changed again since and they've not bothered to let me know lol!!

hth

Possession

Aargh what to do. Remember DS was being bullied? I've been checking, and nothing seems to have been happening BUT I just got a message from a mum whose son says it is happening again and none of the boys want to tell the teacher because the boy has been told he'll be excluded if it happens again. However, DS flat out denies it's happening.
Oh for a magical eye.

RosiePuddingPaws

Byatt - Polo looks gorgeous. I wish you many happy years together.

Fuddle - congratulations on the car. Once this icy weather is gone, it should make life much easier.

Well, my new halogen oven is still broken. I rang the company's tech team and they said to change the bulb. If only I could. I can't get one of the screws undone so will need to take it to work and ask one of the chaps there to have a go. I feel so pathetic that I can't undo a screw.

Does anyone know if there is anywhere to go to learn to be a bit more handy with tools? If it was free that would be better since, like for many others, I've no spare cash.

Keep warm as best as you can in this cold weather.

RPP