Help with SOA please

Smodlet

There's a point, comeandgo. Elljay, have you checked whether there might be any other benefits you could be entitled to? I know you work but could there, perhaps, be something?

Sorry, think my post crossed with yours. I did not realise you are a contributer to the OS board, either, so apologies for that, too.

elljay

Thanks. I've seen that I might be entitled to as much as £35 a week housing benefit!! Astounded! It may not be right but I'm applying anyway to see what happens. Yes I'm getting 25% discount off council tax and I believe the £200 winter heating allowance is on its way.

I'm afraid I can only get EE, it's the only network that anyone can get around here but will still look into ways of bringing cost down.

Smodlet, I post under another non-bankruptcy related name on the OS board so you wouldn't know!!

Really grateful to you all on here and to those on the benefits board today too, helped me have a good financial clean out and an action plan. If I can persuade the OR to stop my IPA I might look for another job too. Feeling much more optimistic than at 2pm!

EJ

DCFC79

Maybe its been thought of but what about moving closer (and job too ) to your mother, maybe not possible with the payment agrrement your on.

elljay

Thanks. One of the reasons I want to keep working is I'm afraid, very selfish. Others in the family seem to feel that as I'm semi retired and single I could easily move in with or at least nearer to mum which would absolve them from responsibility (not that they do much anyway though live nearer!!) so at least by keeping working just a few hours it gives me a reason not to do that as well as keep my own life going, as my social life, voluntary work, friendships, my own offspring (and grandoffsprings!) live in the area where I live. I think that probably sounds awful but mum doesn't need care, is very independent and healthy and I'm on the end of frequent phone calls and physically there every month, we're actually very close.

However, if she really did need help I'd be there like a shot!

I'd just like to thank you all again, on this and the other thread, I was so down this afternoon and you've all bucked me up no end, giving me something to go on. Thank you!

Smodlet

I for one am very glad if I have been of any assistance, elljay. It is always a pleasure when the OP is a nice as you.

TheGardener

Working past retirement is good for you! You maintain a social network and no end of reports will tell you that it is something that keeps you active and contributes to longevity. :j

Is it worth looking at the over 55's social housing? Round our area there are loads of 'retirement villages' owned by the council and housing associations. There is a waiting list but you need to get on to it as it may take a year or two. They are warm and the overheads are lower. The ones near me are fabby and folk seem to be queuing up to get in them as soon as they get to 55 rather than waiting until they are elderly.

Smodlet

I am sure there are some seriously nice ones, TheGardener, but I have heard, on another thread, that they can also be worse than kindergartens...

sammyjammy

elljay wrote: »

Thanks. One of the reasons I want to keep working is I'm afraid, very selfish. Others in the family seem to feel that as I'm semi retired and single I could easily move in with or at least nearer to mum which would absolve them from responsibility (not that they do much anyway though live nearer!!) so at least by keeping working just a few hours it gives me a reason not to do that as well as keep my own life going, as my social life, voluntary work, friendships, my own offspring (and grandoffsprings!) live in the area where I live. I think that probably sounds awful but mum doesn't need care, is very independent and healthy and I'm on the end of frequent phone calls and physically there every month, we're actually very close.

However, if she really did need help I'd be there like a shot!

I'd just like to thank you all again, on this and the other thread, I was so down this afternoon and you've all bucked me up no end, giving me something to go on. Thank you!

Absolutely nothing selfish about that I'm telling you now. I am sure your mum would agree and I am sure she recognises and appreciates your help. Hope the housing benefit help is right so you can get some help.

Sam

TheGardener

Smodlet wrote: »

I am sure there are some seriously nice ones, TheGardener, but I have heard, on another thread, that they can also be worse than kindergartens...

There are lots of over 55's properties, they don't all have to be the play pens for the naughty wrinkles and you don't need to socialise with them anymore than you would any other neighbours in an apartment block.

Seriously though, its worth looking even if its just to rule the option out. My Dad (significantly older than you) was quite happy in his rural bungalow but realised when he was in his late 70's that if he lost the ability to drive safely, he was going to be up the creek. 18mths on a waiting list and he got a 1 bed bungalow on the edge of town - his overheads almost halved and access to the libraries/theatres/galleries etc made up for the loss of his lovely rural garden. It was a life change he needed rather than wanted to make but made the most of the benefits

Smodlet

Thanks, TheGardener... you don't know how old I am, I darned well hope!