Income Support and the running of a car

~Chameleon~

I suspect the OP is trolling for effect rather than asking a genuine question.

Skint89_2

Chameleon, not trolling, although I can see how you would think that as I am just new here and this is a possibly controversial question (hence why I felt uncomfortable with asking the 2 ladies I know in this situation and posted my query here).

Both people are single mothers one receives CSA and the other doesn't. Apart from IS and CTC/CHB, HB, and Council Tax Benefit nothing else is claimed or earned....at least that they have mentioned.

I live in a very rural area and cannot even afford the bus fare into the nearest town, which was why I asked....I thought they may have been claiming some sort of travel expenses that would encourage those in rural areas back into work?

~Chameleon~

Skint89 wrote: »

I live in a very rural area and cannot even afford the bus fare into the nearest town, which was why I asked....

I think you've answered your own question here. I demonstrated above how little it can cost to own & run a car compared to rural public transport costs.

Marisco

Skint89 wrote: »

Chameleon, not trolling, although I can see how you would think that as I am just new here and this is a possibly controversial question (hence why I felt uncomfortable with asking the 2 ladies I know in this situation and posted my query here).

Both people are single mothers one receives CSA and the other doesn't. Apart from IS and CTC/CHB, HB, and Council Tax Benefit nothing else is claimed or earned....at least that they have mentioned.

I live in a very rural area and cannot even afford the bus fare into the nearest town, which was why I asked....I thought they may have been claiming some sort of travel expenses that would encourage those in rural areas back into work?

But are you a single parent with all the other benefits that come with that though, or a single childless person? It's the children that are the golden geese, and single childless (or childless couples) usually get the raw deal.

clearingout

I ran a car on Income Support for almost two years. The car was owned outright and fortunately didn't need any major repairs during that time or I'm not sure what would have happened. I have three children. It was tough generally - I own my own home so that adds an element of repair and maintenance into the budget that if you're renting you don't have (and whilst the car was good to me during those two years, the house wasn't!). I don't smoke, drink or go out as a general rule and didn't buy anything or do anything unless it was absolutely essential during that time.

I couldn't have done it long term but it was manageable when my life imploded and I did what I needed to do to get back on track.

pmlindyloo

clearingout wrote: »

I ran a car on Income Support for almost two years. The car was owned outright and fortunately didn't need any major repairs during that time or I'm not sure what would have happened. I have three children. It was tough generally - I own my own home so that adds an element of repair and maintenance into the budget that if you're renting you don't have (and whilst the car was good to me during those two years, the house wasn't!). I don't smoke, drink or go out as a general rule and didn't buy anything or do anything unless it was absolutely essential during that time.

I couldn't have done it long term but it was manageable when my life imploded and I did what I needed to do to get back on track.

Owning your own home doesn't only add an element of repair etc it also adds an element of having to pay the mortgage! (OK, SMI kicks in after 13 weeks ). Those renting get the rent paid - quite a difference. Could be argued that if you own a property and need benefits then you can sell up but in this market it isn't always possible if you are in negative equity.

OP, perhaps you ought to check that you are getting everything you are entitled to? If you want to share your situation we may be able to help.