Low income, savings gone - what now?

groatie_queen

Hi Sally Jane

In order to claim Carer's Allowance, you will first need to make sure your father has claimed Attendance Allowance. Get help if need be to fill in the forms - Citizens Advice Bureau in your area will help.

Also look for support from your local Princess Royal Trust For Carers Centre. They have a wealth of experience in how to get support and help of all kinds.

I did for my Mum what you are doing for your Dad, you will alway be glad you are doing it, but it's not easy!

(((( )))) hugs to you.


GQ

chevalier

Hi there
I am sorry you are having a rough time. One thing you can look into is whether your house (and your dads for that matter) are in the correct banding for council tax. There is an article about this on the main part of this site. When council tax was brought in most of the assessments were done by people driving by in cars. So it was pretty random. If you are in the wrong band for council tax, then you can get a rebate for all the years you have lived in the house, which can be a lot if you have lived there a long time.

There are also sites on the web that pay you to take surveys, or click on link to see products (you don't have to buy them though!). It soon builds up into an extra bit of income. For example since October I have over £60 of money this way (and that is not buying anything either). This has paid for little indulgences for myself (books! and the odd cd) that can't come out of the main budget (the money has also just bought my son 3 pairs of trousers too). If you want a list then tell me on here and I will post them on the thread.
good luck
chev

RAS

Hi Sallyjane

Please do check out entitled to and claim the benefits to which you are entitled. You can come on here for support if someone treats you like rubbish. Have a vent and get the brass.

Once you feel a bit stronger, put up an SOA (southern scouser's thread at the top of the first page). I would suggest that all three of you start spending diaries so yu can see what you are spending on.

Then head over to the Old style board with your shopping list and your meal plans and see what they can do to cut those down. Dio remember however, that all this is advice. You choose whether to take it.

*zippy*

Sally so pleased to hear you are feeling better today :grouphug: Please do make sure you claim everything you can as its a hard enough job i'm sure without you having to worry about money. Keep us posted how you are getting on as we would love to hear from you and i'm sure others in similar situations will find it helpful. Best wishes to you and your family x

SallyJane_2

Hi BlueSunShine and thanks. You're right, there are some fantastic people on here.

SallyJane_2

Hi ShineyHappy. Mystery shopping sounds interesting! Will "google" it soon. We switched our gas, elec & phone last month and am hoping to switch house & car insurances as they come up for renewal. Holiday out of the question at the moment but we will aim for a long weekend in September.
Thanks.

SallyJane_2

Hi groatie queen. No, it isn't easy, but I have it a lot easier than some carers I know. Thanks for your kindness, it's appreciated.

SallyJane_2

Hi Chev. Have already checked council tax banding and it seems to be correct. Paid surveys seem a great idea! Yes please, I'd like a list if you could post it on here. You sound well organised! Thank you.

barnaby-bear

groatie_queen wrote: »

Hi Sally Jane

In order to claim Carer's Allowance, you will first need to make sure your father has claimed Attendance Allowance. Get help if need be to fill in the forms - Citizens Advice Bureau in your area will help.

GQ

Age concern will also advise and help fill in the forms in the correct manner.

SallyJane_2

Hi Ras .. thanks for the message. A spending diary is another good idea. I'm still exploring this website and haven't seen the old style boards but will take a look soon. Never realised there was so much on here. Thanks again.