My SOA, Sock it to me!

Mimi_Arc_en_ciel

Tpl - I will get the official break down between WTC and CTC.

Only one of them is 'supposed' to go towards childcare and it dpesnt cover the fill amount. Its 80%. When my partner moves in, we won't be entitled to this, but I will still need the childcare. My wages won't go up. So I will be working essentially for nothing. (good job I like my job huh!) Partners wage will obviously be used to help with costs (not sure he is looking forward to that lol)

I started working when I was 16. The only time I didn't work was when I had a tumour. I'm entitled to the benefits so why shouldn't I get them? Yes, the systems incorrect and I think its stupid I would be better off being unemployed. It annoyed the hell out of me when I was pregnant knowing that someone who was on benefits got money towards milk, veg, a money grant to buy baby items etc - buy its not that persons fault, rather the governments. The incentive should be that if you can work then you would be better off. But that's not the case.

Back to my OP :-) as others have said. Its incorrect and I will update in approx 3 weeks

Allypops

tpl wrote: »

Allypops wrote: »

Yes, but look at how much childcare costs compared to earnings. Ouch!
...yes, but the benefits more than cover that.

Things like CTC and WTC depend on household income. As the OP is a single parent household, earnings are limited and childcare costs etc high so benefits higher. It will also depend on the level of HB. Whereas once you break a certain household income, you don't get CTC or WTC and now wont get CB either.

...you have to earning a pretty high income before that kicks in though (£50,000)? I'm doing my homework now, why not!? : )

I think given the cost of childcare, the OP has done well to be motivated to go out to work.

...Really? Surely that means the benefit system is not fit for purpose!

There is a discussion board for thoughts on benefits and I think that's probably a better place for discussing opinions on levels of benefits etc, the OP here has asked for advice on her SOA and budgeting.

...The SOA posted looked fine to me (I'm no expert tho), so I commented about that, as the OP asked for comments!!! The benefits were a part of that. I do not use, or am aware of, most of the other forums, as I was trying to get out of debt and this is the only one (apart from the utilities one) I have needed to look at. I don't wish to discuss levels of benefits on other forums...it just came up here and was a surprise, as I said I don't know much about them... so I commented. It's just been a real surprise to be honest, and has made me reassess my own life! I'll stop commenting now, and I wish Mimi all the best.

Fair enough, I just didn't want the OP to feel she was being criticised or made to feel uncomfortable over the benefits system when it's not her that sets the rules, criteria and levels of payment Sometimes you can get loads and loads of posts about the level of benefits and it can feel like it gets a bit personal - although I don't think anyone meant it like that on this thread. Sorry if I sounded a bit bossy I'm actually rather lovely (honest)

Dunroamin

Mimi_Arc_en_ciel wrote: »

Ok, appears I have upset people. That wasn't my intention.

If you check the boards you will see 3 years ago I was in 45k debt and living off beans on toast and hiding from bailiffs who was threatening me and counting 5p's to go buy some milk. I've been there and that's why I'm worrying now (although to you it probably seems like I have no reason to)

The reason for my soa is simple. I want to sort my money out BEFORE my partner moves back in. I don't want to end up back in debt and want to try and save as much as possible just in case. When my partner eventually does move in, bills will go up, but we won't be entitled to the benefits I am getting now (obviously)

I DON'T have that surplus. I know that next week my bank account drops below £50 and I'm worried. Yes I have savings but like I said, I'm trying my best not to use these.

I will post a more accurate soa soon. Will try and go through bank statements and keep a spends diary in march

Thanks for the replies x

Bills will go up but you'll have someone to split them with as well as someone paying half the rent, so will you actually be much worse off?

tpl

Allypops wrote: »

tpl wrote: »

Fair enough, I just didn't want the OP to feel she was being criticised or made to feel uncomfortable over the benefits system when it's not her that sets the rules, criteria and levels of payment Sometimes you can get loads and loads of posts about the level of benefits and it can feel like it gets a bit personal - although I don't think anyone meant it like that on this thread. Sorry if I sounded a bit bossy I'm actually rather lovely (honest)

... I'm sure we are all lovely really (I like the big, green grin!). wish everyone the best!

Mimi_Arc_en_ciel

Dunroamin wrote: »

Bills will go up but you'll have someone to split them with as well as someone paying half the rent, so will you actually be much worse off?

Depends how you view it. Yes he will pay half rent etc but food, gas, elec, council, net, phone etc will go up. My maintenance will go down, as will the etc, ctc and th. In theory, financially, I would be better off staying single