On the brink, but still fighting

uberfrugal

Pippin12 wrote: »

Really sorry to read of your troubles. I think it should be compulsory reading for anyone who thinks a life on benefits is easy...

Unfortunately Incapacity Benefit no longer exists for new claimants as it is being phased out altogether. In its place is a benefit called Employment and Support Allowance which is altogether more difficult to get. It might be worth popping on to the Benefits and Employment board to find out more about it, although as you are capable of doing so many jobs you woul be very unlikely to qualify.

Did you get an MI 12 form to claim mortgage interest as many people have advised?

Life of benefits, well at least incapacity benefit is impossible for an adult with mental health problems.
When I was 16 I was automatically put onto incapacity benefit at the advice of my social worker. At the time I lived at home but when I moved out for the first time my budget would only allow a squalid £55 per week studio flat with damp problems that were never corrected. When you only pay £55 per week for rent some might say you shouldn't expect much, but basic living conditions should not be compromised.
I soon learned that I couldn't live on so little money which is why I chose to start working.
It is hard to find a good job... imagine having to inform your potential employer's you have schizophrenia. It is literally impossible to find employment unless you hide it.
Consequently I have been sacked from a few jobs for having episodes - which to their knowledge were inexplicable. Sometimes its better to move on.
I have always known employment would be difficult, which is why I have always saved my money. Just ran out though.

dancingfairy

Have you actually applied to have the interest paid on your mortgage? A lot of people have suggested this to you but you haven't updated how far you have got with this?
Have you tried registering with all the agencies? and badgering them for work? you could do waiting or shop work or filing or working in a factoring. There must be some jobs out there somewhere for you.
Have you got a local church/mosque/temple near you? They will often help out with food for those in need or try the salvation army or food bank.
Keep fighting.
df

uberfrugal

dancingfairy wrote: »

Have you actually applied to have the interest paid on your mortgage? A lot of people have suggested this to you but you haven't updated how far you have got with this?
Have you tried registering with all the agencies? and badgering them for work? you could do waiting or shop work or filing or working in a factoring. There must be some jobs out there somewhere for you.
Have you got a local church/mosque/temple near you? They will often help out with food for those in need or try the salvation army or food bank.
Keep fighting.
df

My mortgage provider (Halifax) refused to discuss this option with me. I went in the branch and told them of my situation and I saw down with a mortgage adviser and nothing came of it. I don't know what I'm doing when it comes to stuff like this.
Since losing my job I managed to find part time work for September and pay an entire months rent with it. However, nothing else. I went to 5 job interviews this month, one on the 20th only to discover on Christmas Eve I wasn't selected.
I took the advice on here and have been managing to get food taken care of.
My house is now literally bare, I sold off all the furniture and electronics. All I own - and I'm not even exaggerating - is this dilapidated laptop which I'm using now to type this message on, a rucksack, a pair of boots and about 6 outfits. I sold everything.
On Christmas day I needed to make up £250 towards the rent. Then on the 27th Wonga deducted £54.23 from my account without warning. This meant I could only manage to pay £100 of the mortgage and now I need to find £300 from somewhere. It is due to come out today so I'm expecting a letter within a week - since my mobile phone has long been sold - they will try to ring it.
I've just this minute received another email from Wonga informing me that they are going to try and take another amount out tomorrow. My outstanding balance with them is £488. My bank account is £0.00 until January 13th. I can manage with the food in my cupboards until then but I'm worried that my bank will accept the payment and I'll receive charges.
This is the worst time of my life. I have no idea how to raise the money and get out of this situation. I have applied to so many jobs its unreal. ANY jobs. I full expect to be in a hostel by the end of Jan.

haycorns

I'm not an expert here, but I think the mortgage interest help is a form of benefit and isn't down to your lender -see link

https://www.gov.uk/support-for-mortgage-interest/overview

You must be getting one of the following benefits to qualify for Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI):

• Income Support
• income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Pension Credit

Contact Jobcentre Plus or the Pension Serviceto check your eligibility for SMI or ask any questions about it.


Lots of people have said you should follow this up - you really should.


I think you could do with some face to face support. Could you go and see your local citizens advice people?


. I'm worried that you are trying to sort this out all on your own, There are people that can help you out there , but only if you tell them you need help. You shouldn't have to struggle this much - its not your fault.

haycorns

How you doing uberfrugal.?

Now Christmas is over you should find it easier to get hold of people who can help you and hopefully get things better for you

missindecisive

bump bump for an update from the op..

embob74

uberfrugal wrote: »

Problem is my registered address is my mums house 50 miles away so the new card will be sent there.
I could probably use my credit card which has £40 on it until then.

uberfrugal wrote: »

I don't have any relatives in the UK. My mum died 5 years ago and my Dad lives in France. No siblings. A few friends, but they have newborns and I wouldn't want to crash in on anybody.

I'd like to hope it's a mistake but it's hard to believe a bank card has been registered at the house of a parent who passed away 5 years ago.

blackbelle_2

embob74 wrote: »

I'd like to hope it's a mistake but it's hard to believe a bank card has been registered at the house of a parent who passed away 5 years ago.

I noticed that also, and hope this is not a spoof thread.