Benefits for young couple

margaretclare

inspirespirit wrote: »

Just thought I would give a brief background so you will realise just why they are struggling on 25k which I understand would infuriate some people who are living on a lot less.
The lad is 26. He started working as an apprentice at 16 and by the age of 25 was top engineer on a salary of 35k. His girlfriend also earned and obviously they got by fine. Just after his girlfriend found out she was pregnant his bosses offered him an amazing opportunity. They offered to take him out of the toolroom and into Management...... pay for him to do a degree and train him as a Manager. However, as a trainee they could not keep him on 35k and he had to take a drop to 25k which will go straight back up to 35k on completion of degree and training. Within 5 years the chances are this salary could well double. If he had not taken it, it would have gone to someone else. They had a discussion and decided to go for it. Obviously life throws us curve balls and they didn't know that the girl wouldn't be able to go back to work because of the baby being poorly. So they have lost his 10k plus her salary. They don't smoke, drink or have a car. They only require some temporary help. No doubt they will end up paying more tax in their lifetimes than most of us so I don't see why people have such a problem with youngsters getting a bit of help.

In the long-term he'll do very well and ultimately, their income will be a lot more. I know people with that kind of background. Without doubt, nowadays the degree is the way to go. Well done to them for deciding to 'go for it'. They might have regretted it lifelong if they hadn't. He has a very bright future and the problems they have now are temporary.

helentay_2

superwoman4 wrote: »

I am losing patience with you winding people up with how your pensioner parents care for each other and receive over £580 a week and that doesn't include no council tax to pay(two exclamation marks)!!

Winding people up? Not at all, I was merely pointing out that there are many levels of benefits that someone can claim for. Is there something wrong in giving my parents' financial position on here given that they receive means tested benefits.

If you think that it is too much money, then contact your MP and complain to him/her about what pensioners are claiming and that they shouldn't have it.

In the meantime, my parents have worked for what they receive and certainly didn't ask to be disabled and dependent on each other.