Borrowing while on benefits. Is this allowed?

Stevie_Palimo

alano1963 wrote: »

My windows are all leaking, my bathroom is completely damp all over and my special needs son has asthma (as well as everything else that's wrong with him!). My Kitchen is falling apart and is actually rotting and crumbling as it is 40 years old. I need a wall built because the wild dog next door has eaten big chunks of the old fence trying to get at my children so they are in danger! I shouldn't need to bare my soul to you, telling you everything I'm on, what other things I get, what exactly I am going to do. I feel attacked by some of the replies. I'm not an idiot and I shouldn't have to give you all these invasive details. I was just really upset about it all and since I have PTSD and don't leave the house and have a terror of talking to people because of being severely and repeatedly attacked I had nobody to ask. I just wanted to know if it is allowed or not allowed from someone who actually knew because they work for DWP or had actually had experience of this. This is the first time I have "blogged" anything and I will never do it again. I did it because I was getting ill with the stress and now I am a million times worse. Thanks to the person who suggested doing it in 3 parts and the person who also borrowed £15000. These were at least helpful. I give up.

Windows for a property can be done cheap and if the right firm is found you would get for around £4000.00 - £5000.00 maybe cheaper.


Kitchen could be done on a budget for around £3000 - £4000.00.


Wall built for around £1000.00 - £1500.00.


I'd say the 3 jobs can be done for under £10.000 if you looked for the right people/Companies.


Also cannot see where you were attacked as you have claimed here and People who post on forums MUST understand that you will get replies that you both like and dislike which I am afraid is part of posting on internet forums.

tomtom256

This should be ok with decision makers. I would however keep quotes and the receipts for the works just in case it was ever queried, that way you have proof of were the money has gone and are covered from potential deprivation/capital rules.

Repayments are something for the bank to worry about.

Good luck with the repairs and I hope you use reputable companies for peace of mind.

pmlindyloo

This is a very useful link for those needing to do home improvements.

There may be help/support in the form of grants/loans which would work out cheaper than borrowing from the bank.

Have a read:

http://www.independentage.org/factsheets/housing-paying-for-the-maintenance-of-your-home/

borkid

Check your local council. 6 years ago my daughter was able to get a loan, repayable when the house is sold and a charge was put on the house, for new windows and kitchen. There were restrictions though, both with who could claim and who could do the work. The interest rate is the bank of England interest rate. She never had any of the money pass through her bank account the council paid all the bills direct.

As I said this was 6 yeras ago so things might have changed especially with all the council cut backs.

alano1963

Hi, for those of you who were helpful, thank you. I have now spoken to DWP and they passed me on to the Bathgate (my local office for a call back. ) They called first thing this morning and have said it is no problem whatsoever as it is not MY money. He specifically said that it didn't matter what it was for as the money will still be the banks, not mine so will not be relevant. He suggested keeping the receipts to show that I have spent the money and not kept it as cash, but reiterated that this is no problem. My husband (who took over the call as I can't talk on the phone due to my PTSD) asked if we could have it in writing and he said there was absolutely no need for that as there was absolutely no doubt about it. I have recorded the day and time of the call in my diary. My husband had already spoken to DLA and CA who both immediately said that it is not an issue as it is not income. I am glad I phoned though just so that it is on record. I would advise anyone else to do the same before going forward, but don't be afraid!. I was avoiding it as I just can't cope with phone calls. Thanks again. (But I still won't ever blog again as this has freaked me out!).

cattermole

Torry_Quine wrote: »

if some is looking for advice on borrowing money then the reason for the money makes a difference.

It wasn't me who asked what needed done and I was not the only one who was concerned as to why someone on benefits would wish to borrow a relatively large sum of money

No they were looking for advice on how the DWP would view the loan.

They were certainly not looking for advice on whether repairs to their house were necessary or not?! None of your business.

Poppie68

I can't see anyone attacking or being unkind in this thread. Posting on a public forum leaves people open to further questions without any malice intended. It is often the case that these further questions result in further help from other sources, in your case people asked you about the specific improvements as grants or similar may be available....
There seems to be a growing number of self styled forum police who take offence on behalf of others which seems to encourage the 'victims' to take even greater offence.

OP don't let anything deter you from seeking advice on here, on the face of it nobody seems to of been unkind......some have asked questions to further advise and others have just expressed surprise at a bank willing to borrow to someone in your position... your answers to those questions can help others in the future who search this forum for answers..

There is an ignore function for you to use if you feel uncomfortable with any particular member.

Poppie68

cattermole wrote: »

No they were looking for advice on how the DWP would view the loan.

They were certainly not looking for advice on whether repairs to their house were necessary or not?! None of your business.

And you need to stop trying to turn other people's threads into battle grounds with your accusing and argumentative replies....

If members are uncomfortable with others they need to use the ignore function.

Poppie68

Anyway OP I hope you manage to get your home sorted but looking into grants etc could be a big positive. Hope all your improvements go smoothly without any hitches, any problems just search the forum for any help...Good luck.

cattermole

Poppie68 wrote: »

And you need to stop trying to turn other people's threads into battle grounds with your accusing and argumentative replies....

If members are uncomfortable with others they need to use the ignore function.

Excuse me the OP made it absolutely clear they did not want to discuss whether their repairs were necessary or not and whether they should borrow money.

The benefits board is full of those who dole out moral messages/opinions rather than just answer the questions asked.