JSA / Car ownership??

specialboy

OP, you do realise that your stepdaughter is probably a lot better off financially than you are don't you, contrary to some scaremongers in the press the benefit system is quite generous to single parents in rented accommodation. Cut your losses and cut the card up.

Dooood

I'm surprised by the amount of people who have read and responded. Thanks to everyone for your time / effort.
As it happens, I don't consider any of the comments to be negative.... I am well aware of the 'obvious' but was kinda seeking support regarding my own opinions on this matter. Unfortunately, it is causing a bit a divide between myself and my other half but I also appreciate her desire to do what she can for her daughter. I'm just battling to get across my belief that the best help isn't always handing over cash.
I am happy to sit down with stepdaughter and give her all the time in the world to work with her regarding a long-term strategy to work herself out of this 'trap'..... I feel that I am alone in my quest which is why I turned to here rather than breach confidentiality speaking to other friends / family.
Thanks again.
I feel I have what I need to have a little 'chat' with stepdaughter...but rather get on her back....try and inspire her aim higher but consider any necessary short-term sacrifices.
Best wishes to you all.
Dooood!! :T

teabelly

One tactical option would be to suggest to step daughter that if she were to let this car go to save money now, when she got a decent job you'd help with the costs of buying another better car. This way there isn't the argument that it's stopping her working. It isn't. It's just not wasting money now while there is no job to need the car for.

dawyldthing

If you check on entitled to you'll be able to work out roughly what she does get. I recogn its about 150 plus rent and most of the council tax paid, so its not bad when someone on minimum wage is on about 210 after tax.

She is just trying it on with the car. Its one of the reasons i've never wanted to drive as like you've detailed on here theres the car, problems with the car, tax, insurance, mot ........ which basically runs into thousands so in my honest opinion unless your on good money a car is a luxury but many seem to think it is a right and on not too good wages its unaffordable to run one (I know I couldn't run one on my wage for sure). Plus by the time you add rent and council tax money on top (with what i've guessed) she would have to earn about 15k to get the same money as what she will be getting at the moment. I'd guess shes around mid 20s so if it was me (and i'm around that age) I would just turn around and say the bank of mum and dad is now shut, we will give you emotional support and stuff but cannot give you money any more