Earning Minimum Wage and struggling to live

hoops1201

Hi All

Slightly depressing post here and could do with some support.

Basically I am in a minimum wage job with a little bonus on top on it once a month, my outgoings are huge though.

I live in a council property and have to pay 440 a month 74 c tax bills, such as water electricity gas all on top on that. I also pay 50 a week net to my wife for my child (i am currently separated). Basically I have added it up and have very very little to live on, even for eating.

I have completed a housing benefit form but I spoke to someone at the council and they were doubtful that I would qualify. I then did an online chat with the HMRC for tax credits and they seemed to think that because I earnt 14K and above a year that I wouldn't qualify for that. Its almost worth going back on the dole to be honest and its really getting me down.

Any help appreciated.

Ben

marliepanda

So you're on over 14k, so £1050 or above a month, plus your bonus.

£640 for rent and child maintenance, £740 rounding up with council tax and the fact the CM is weekly not monthly.

You should have over £300 left for food and electricity and water. Surely that's enough for one person? Where is it going?

suki1964

Get over to old style and the debt free boards, we can help you manage your budget

Darksparkle

You should post your soa on one of the other threads for advice on how to cut back.

Your rent and council tax doesn't seem that high.

hoops1201

another 80 for travel.

baza52

marliepanda wrote: »

So you're on over 14k, so £1050 or above a month, plus your bonus.

£640 for rent and child maintenance, £740 rounding up with council tax and the fact the CM is weekly not monthly.

You should have over £300 left for food and electricity and water. Surely that's enough for one person? Where is it going?

So the OP has £75 a week to live off.
Take off fares to work and back and your left with less than JSA pays.

tomtontom

baza52 wrote: »

So the OP has £75 a week to live off.
Take off fares to work and back and your left with less than JSA pays.

OP would still need to pay their bills from their JSA, and would quite possibly have to pay toward his rent and council tax also.

I'm not sure how your point is relevant or helpful?

Darksparkle

How often do you see your child?

Using the CSA calculator the most you need to pay is £38 per week in maintenance. It's less depending on how many nights you have them.

baza52

tomtontom wrote: »

OP would still need to pay their bills from their JSA, and would quite possibly have to pay toward his rent and council tax also.

I'm not sure how your point is relevant or helpful?

Op was asked how they spend their money.
I was pointing out that he could be living on less than JSA pays so he is hardly living the life of riley.

Of course OP would still need to pay bills and eat but could potentially be better of on JSA.
Better off = moneysaving

HappyMJ

hoops1201 wrote: »

Hi All

Slightly depressing post here and could do with some support.

Basically I am in a minimum wage job with a little bonus on top on it once a month, my outgoings are huge though.

I live in a council property and have to pay 440 a month 74 c tax bills, such as water electricity gas all on top on that. I also pay 50 a week net to my wife for my child (i am currently separated). Basically I have added it up and have very very little to live on, even for eating.

I have completed a housing benefit form but I spoke to someone at the council and they were doubtful that I would qualify. I then did an online chat with the HMRC for tax credits and they seemed to think that because I earnt 14K and above a year that I wouldn't qualify for that. Its almost worth going back on the dole to be honest and its really getting me down.

Any help appreciated.

Ben

If you did go on the dole you could be better off (after 6 months once the sanction is over for leaving a job without good reason) but your child would be worse off. Your CM would go down from £50 a week to £7 per week which really doesn't buy much for your child even with your wife's contribution.

I'd look at increasing your skill set and apply for work that pays more than minimum wages.

Would your wife be interested in not getting any payments for 6 months or so whilst you get further training to get a better job so you are able to increase your £50 to maybe £70 per week?

suki1964

So the other option is find either another job that pays more, or to take a second job

When I had so little I worked three jobs, one in a pub so that counted as my social life as well

Do you seriously want to go back on benefits???