Help for a carpets

superhooper1972

Hello wonder if anyone has any advice they can give.

My parents who are both retired and only have their pensions to live on desperately need new carpets for their home. Now I know in the grand scheme of things its not exactly a priority, but the carpets are very old and well and truly worn and frayed badly in places.

Is there help they can get to buy new carpets, maybe a loan of some sort they can pay back weekly from their pensions or a grant if any such thing exists.

They have looked in to getting credit but the repayment terms are to much for them to pay each month.

Like I say I know its not life and death scenario but advice would be greatly received. Thanks:)

P.S excuse my poor grammar help for a carpets tut tut!

elsien

If they get pension credit, would they qualify for a budgeting loan? Maybe if they bought end of rolls/off cuts that would help make it more affordable to do one room at a time?

Indie_Kid

They would have to be on pension credit for at least 26 weeks.

I wonder if the local council have anything?

benniebert

superhooper1972 wrote: »

Hello wonder if anyone has any advice they can give.

My parents who are both retired and only have their pensions to live on desperately need new carpets for their home. Now I know in the grand scheme of things its not exactly a priority, but the carpets are very old and well and truly worn and frayed badly in places.

Is there help they can get to buy new carpets, maybe a loan of some sort they can pay back weekly from their pensions or a grant if any such thing exists.

They have looked in to getting credit but the repayment terms are to much for them to pay each month.

Like I say I know its not life and death scenario but advice would be greatly received. Thanks:)

I am most surprised that a pensioner couple who are in receipt of at least £230 a week cannot budget for a carpet.


I do hope that you are maximising your benefit entitlement via Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support for a start.


Are you in receipt of either DLA/PIP or AA? These have the potential to not only give an income boost but also to increase their entitlement to a higher income via Pension Credit.


Having said that carpets and the fitting need not be expensive. Carpets at £5 and under a square metre are common place. 650 sq ft would cost somewhere around the £400 mark fitted.

cbrown372

Come on then Andy, explain to the OP how you and Flo manage to coin in more than £600 a week.

superhooper1972

Well as I am doing this thread on my parents behalf I cant say I know what DLA/PIP OR AA are?

I do know they have to pay 80 pounds towards their rent each week. Council tax they pay basically the full rate I know this as I have talked to my Dad about this, and that he should try to get more help paying it.

Then there are the normal costs of living, he drives and cant sacrifice his car(its an old clio) as he has back problems and walking and public transport isn't going to do his back any favours.

Like I say its not life and death was just wondering if they could get any help that's all. They never ask for anything and they would pay back any help they receive as long as it fits in with their budget.

Finding the money in one lump is not doable for them.

kingfisherblue

Have you tried Freecycle? I often see carpets on there. Otherwise, if they can afford to pay back a loan, can they instead save an amount each week until they have enough to buy a room sized roll end, then start saving again for the next room? I know it will take longer, but most people replacing carpets would have to save and do a room at a time.

benniebert

superhooper1972 wrote: »

Well as I am doing this thread on my parents behalf I cant say I know what DLA/PIP OR AA are?

I do know they have to pay 80 pounds towards their rent each week. Council tax they pay basically the full rate I know this as I have talked to my Dad about this, and that he should try to get more help paying it.

Then there are the normal costs of living, he drives and cant sacrifice his car(its an old clio) as he has back problems and walking and public transport isn't going to do his back any favours.

Like I say its not life and death was just wondering if they could get any help that's all. They never ask for anything and they would pay back any help they receive as long as it fits in with their budget.

Finding the money in one lump is not doable for them.

Not knowing what their actual income is and how it is made up, there is little more that I can add.
But if their total income is less than £230, they can get a top up from the government to make it up to that figure.


PIP/DLA/AA are benefits for those that have some level of disability. AA in particular can be given simply because they are old (over 65) and what that brings to the table. Claiming those can give extra money AND increase the top up amount.


Additionally if their income is around that figure, they should be getting maximum Housing Benefit and should not be paying Council Tax.


But as I have said it all depends on what income they have and where it comes from.

benniebert

kingfisherblue wrote: »

Have you tried Freecycle? I often see carpets on there. Otherwise, if they can afford to pay back a loan, can they instead save an amount each week until they have enough to buy a room sized roll end, then start saving again for the next room? I know it will take longer, but most people replacing carpets would have to save and do a room at a time.

a 15' x 12' room should not cost anymore than about £120 fitted.

kingfisherblue

benniebert wrote: »

a 15' x 12' room should not cost anymore than about £120 fitted.

Then saving £10 a week, the first room should have a new carpet before Summer. It's ages since I bought carpets, so I'm out of date on prices. We have laminate flooring as it is easier to keep dust free for my son, who has breathing difficulties.

superhooper1972

Thanks for all suggestions and replies will look into everything for them.