Housing Benefit and Bugetting

crystalcadence

LondonGal wrote: »

Sadly this is not an option you may have. You may have to apply for other jobs in order to avoid getting into debt - it's good you've identified the issue and it would be prudent to try to address it now.

Yes, as sad as it is, you are right. Realistically, particularly, given the helpful information by Housing Benefit Officer, I'd be better off finding a new job.

I came to that conclusion a few weeks back which is why I post my initial thread (which I cannot link to because I am still "new")

I really feel as though I have been chucked in a washing machine on full spin with all the changes that have happened in the last six months. My job has been the only stable element.

It doesn't help that the local council have been messing me about with my HB. When I applied, I was told that they would take an average from the payslips provided and should my pay drastically change, I could then get a recalculation.

But so far it has not worked like that and their communication has been worse than rubbish ... unless it is a letter demanding a copy of a payslip. :mad:

LondonGal

I think the way you need to try to look at this is getting a new job would give you the stability you are clearly craving. It's horrible when your life is turned upside down, I've been there a couple of times through no fault of my own. I ended up having to sell my house and rent in order to be able to afford to live within my means which really hit hard, but common sense dictated that I would be in a far worse position if I didn't give up the one significant possession I still had.

I'm now at the stage where I look back gratefully on that time, as I now have the stability I really needed, even though it involved some tough decisions.

Just remember you do come out the other side, and I'm sure with the stability you'll be better for it. :beer:

ohreally

crystalcadence wrote: »

Unfortunately, at present, I am reliant on my overtime.

Whats your plan for when it ceases?

crystalcadence

LondonGal wrote: »

Just remember you do come out the other side, and I'm sure with the stability you'll be better for it. :beer:

Thank you for your encouraging words.

Earlier today, I found an extremely interesting job advert. I have the basic skills needed but it will be taking my career in a whole new direction. Something to really get my teeth into and *finally* use my Uni degree.

Might be an uphill battle getting time off work for the interview if I am lucky as I am doing a lot more overtime the next couple of weeks to cover for a sudden sickness.

If I am not lucky then I am just going to have to apply for everything and anything I think.

LondonGal

Put a good CV together, give it your best shot and the very best of luck.

It's tough if you have to just apply for anything and everything, but if you're anything like me, the uncertainty of the future hanging over me all the time was making me ill.

I hope the right thing comes along for you. What's the job you've seen?

crystalcadence

LondonGal wrote: »

I hope the right thing comes along for you. What's the job you've seen?

Well the application went in after much fiddling with the cover letter yesterday.

I don't really want to give too much away because I know what employers are like these days but I'll describe it as a job in the customer service industry which requires my degree to qualify for.

Its not an entry level position so if I get it, I can *finally* get off that rung of the ladder. It'll also be my first job to break the 5 figure mark.

I have my fingers crossed very very tight. The next obstacle will be managing to get time off from work for the interview if I get one.

I've never gone for an interview while within a job before.

crystalcadence

Sorry for the double post but I've had a small shock today.

I had a letter through the post today saying that there have recalculated my claim and that my salary is considered too high to qualify for benefit. Nothing has changed since I first went in and claimed back in January though.

Apparently, this decision has been 6 weeks in the pipeline. :eek:

I've check 4 benefit checkers including the one on this site and each of them says I would qualify for housing benefit even with my overtime.

So what on earth?!?

FluffyDuck3

crystalcadence wrote: »

Sorry for the double post but I've had a small shock today.

I had a letter through the post today saying that there have recalculated my claim and that my salary is considered too high to qualify for benefit. Nothing has changed since I first went in and claimed back in January though.

Apparently, this decision has been 6 weeks in the pipeline. :eek:

I've check 4 benefit checkers including the one on this site and each of them says I would qualify for housing benefit even with my overtime.

So what on earth?!?

Does the letter include details of your income and their calculations? If it does, are the figures correct? If it doesn't, contact them and ask for details.

crystalcadence

FluffyDuck3 wrote: »

Does the letter include details of your income and their calculations? If it does, are the figures correct? If it doesn't, contact them and ask for details.

Well from my viewpoint, they have the right salary figures but whether the sums are correct is another matter.

I've been in touch with my Housing Association and explained what's happened. As usual, they have been really nice about it all. They are going to arrange for me to sit down with a money advisor on my day off next week.

In the meantime, I have gone back to the drawing board with my budget but its not pretty. I was advised when this latest recalculation happened that it was best not to pay any rent or council tax until it was resolved.

Looking back, what foolish advice! I'm now 1 month behind on both my rent and council tax. :eek:

I've sorted the council tax out today with what I had ready for use as "my contribution after benefits" but the rent is going to be a little more awkward.

If I pay a month's rent then it'll clear my debt but this time next month, I'll be a month behind again. I might have to continue that until I get another job which after today's news is all but decided on

How my HA is going to react to that I am not sure - I'm holding onto that question until I meet the Money Advisor. However, I am almost half way through my short term lease and I was warned that regular arrears would be frowned on.

Am I the only one that thinks that benefits should not be rocket science? :wall:

LondonGal

The DWP are incompetent in so very many ways unfortunately. If your HA is like mine, their advisors are absolutely top notch, so hopefully they will help you to get things sorted out.

Not paying CTax is always a very bad idea as it will only lead to you having bailiffs at your door which is the very last thing you need to be dealing with at present. I know, I've been there! :beer: