Bedroom Tax for 13 months?

Witch_Hazel

Willowstudent wrote: »

No, I absolutely would not leave the 14 year old in charge with responsibility for getting all three younger children to school. I know my children and that would not be a safe situation. She'd murder the 12 year old!

No, I don't claim any childcare element because I am paying a family member and assume they wouldn't be eligible.

Not sure how it"s relevant but no my ex doesn't pay maintenance because we actually have 6 children together and the oldest two live with him. He supports them.

And no, I would rather starve than give up the degree. It's a professional degree which will mean I can actually get a very good job at the end, and not be drain on society for the next 30+ working years of my life! I worked bloody hard to earn my uni place and consider getting this education extremely valuable. I can give far more back than if I just took a 20 hour job in sainsburys and took tax credits handouts for the next 11 years.....

Thanks to the people who made useful suggestions.

The other parent is relevant as the children didn't just suddenly appear, parents have a duty to support their offspring, whether they are married or divorced. So the two oldest children that live with their father can't help you out either?

help4help2013

i can understand the position your in and your concerns but they way this government is going we are a;ll going to suffer.

my sister is severely disabled she has to have 2 bedroom flat one for overnight carer and one for her under the new rules she is s till not entitled to the second bedroom due to her circumstances she has to ether pay the bedroom tax or move to a smaller property so your not the only one in this position i know its effecting a lot of people but it effects the severely disabled just as it does your average person

i think disabled people should be exempt from this rule my neighbour has a 4 bedroom house with 1 child why does she need a 4 bedroom house? she should be in a 2 bedroom but no doubt she will get the extra payment to cover it due to being on a low income

Witch_Hazel

nitelite2010 wrote: »

i can understand the position your in and your concerns but they way this government is going we are a;ll going to suffer.

my sister is severely disabled she has to have 2 bedroom flat one for overnight carer and one for her under the new rules she is s till not entitled to the second bedroom due to her circumstances she has to ether pay the bedroom tax or move to a smaller property so your not the only one in this position i know its effecting a lot of people but it effects the severely disabled just as it does your average person

i think disabled people should be exempt from this rule my neighbour has a 4 bedroom house with 1 child why does she need a 4 bedroom house? she should be in a 2 bedroom but no doubt she will get the extra payment to cover it due to being on a low income

There are quiet a few threads floating about regarding bedroom tax, I think it might be a good idea if you could read some, you might benefit from the advice given in them. Don't assume the neighbour is any better off , this is generally how myths starts.

soontobemrsg

Thanks for your reply. It had to be asked your opinion on this as it may have been an option to save money.

Does the school offer a breakfast club they could use?

Could you not explain to the family member about your new shortfall and ask to pay less?

Check out the other threads on bedroom tax to see what others have come up with.

Really consider posting your SOA so we can see where savings could be made for you. I completely understand why you wouldn't want to give up your degree. I left mine for a year mid term due to personal circumstances but still ended up with my loan and grant payments for the terms that I was there during that year (which imo was a waste of money).

How long is left on your course?

I really think you should ask the father for some help too. On the basis that 2 of the children are living with him you still have 2 more children than he does living with you and he should provide for them. If not in monetary terms, perhaps by providing the morning childcare which you currently pay for. Is this an option?

Have you thought of ebaying a load of unwanted things. Use the upcoming weekend to have a big sort out.

There's always savings to be made within our own budget. Really consider posting yours for ideas on how to cut some things off.

Is there a possibility of car share to uni to save on fuel? Could you offer someone a lift for help towards it?

I've posted a few suggestions and will think of a few more when I have more time.

Good luck!

help4help2013

Witch_Hazel wrote: »

There are quiet a few threads floating about regarding bedroom tax, I think it might be a good idea if you could read some, you might benefit from the advice given in them. Don't assume the neighbour is any better off , this is generally how myths starts.

she got the extra payment found out this morning so not a myth some people have all the luck eh

Witch_Hazel

nitelite2010 wrote: »

she got the extra payment found out this morning so not a myth some people have all the luck eh

So the bedroom tax that isn't starting until the 1st April and DHP have already been issued....course. Did you do any research into your sisters situation regarding her overnight carer, or were you too busy at the school gates

mysterywoman10

nitelite2010 wrote: »

i can understand the position your in and your concerns but they way this government is going we are a;ll going to suffer.

my sister is severely disabled she has to have 2 bedroom flat one for overnight carer and one for her under the new rules she is s till not entitled to the second bedroom due to her circumstances she has to ether pay the bedroom tax or move to a smaller property so your not the only one in this position i know its effecting a lot of people but it effects the severely disabled just as it does your average person

i think disabled people should be exempt from this rule my neighbour has a 4 bedroom house with 1 child why does she need a 4 bedroom house? she should be in a 2 bedroom but no doubt she will get the extra payment to cover it due to being on a low income

I agree with your sentiments regarding the disabled but your sister's situation is covered under the regulations and that is why she has been given the 2nd bedroom so not an extra payment or DHP she is not going to get a reduction, so not luck.

It is the one situation regarding the disabled that is specifically covered in the regulations. It stems from campaigning prior to 2010 in Local Housing Allowance and a first tier decision that set aside the regulations, on Human Rights grounds and forms part of the case involving the severely disabled children that the government made a U turn on last week. I hope that gives you the background to why your sister's situation is covered in the regulations.

barbarawright

mysterywoman10 wrote: »

I agree many are but many are not I accept your point but I think you will find if the person is under 18 there is a difference if something goes wrong.

Goodness! Is it now illegal for a 17 year old to look after her own child?

mysterywoman10

No I was incorrect

The risk has to be carefully balanced under 16.

Spendless

Op-Have you actually been told by your council that you are having a benefit reduction or are you just guessing based on what you've read re same sex children and ages? I had a feeLing that I'd seen on-line something about 4 kids = 4 bed house but couldn't remember where, so my first google found this
http://www.peterborough.gov.uk/housing/looking_for_accommodation/bedroom_standards_policy.aspx

Four bedroom house

• Applicant with 4 or more children

which mentions nothing about the sex/age of kids when it comes to 4 kids. Neither did the previous info I'd read. I'd double check at least.

If it turns out you do have to pay the short-fall for a year, I can't think of any other suggestions that haven't been raised here. You might have to review the costs of paying your relative. Aren't the 14yo and 12yo at Secondary school together? Is them setting off earlier, catching an earlier bus an option? Some breakfast clubs at primary schools are cheap. The ones close to me only cost £1ish per child, though that's because they are voluntary facilities run by staff. At the school my DD attends it;s £4 per child, but that's because it's a childcare facility with paid staff and is the only school in the area to provide wrap-around care for after school and holidays. Very much depends what time you have to set off though. If your relative provides childcare at a time when it's not even possible to find an alternative arrangment then it's not going to be possible.