SOA/ budget

Kim_13

In general I would agree with you, however the OP was married and not claiming benefits when 7 of the children were born. Contraceptive failure happens (no 8.)

To her credit, the OP has attempted to pay off the debts. That's more than some do. There has been a messy and as I understand it, financially inequitable separation.

It's clear from her posting history that the OP intends to get work and pay her way as soon as she is able (her previous job went in a restructure, as I recall.)

While it's a shame that the fathers (2) can't be forced to pick up more of the bill instead of being difficult and worse, there are many claimants who are far less deserving of the support they receive.

moneyfacts

I suppose It's better to struggle with free money never earnt, compared to all those people who work and yet still struggle to pay all the bills.

£20,000 a year of tax free handout is a lot, people in this world have to survive on less than £1 a day with no education or health care.

You're actually one of the fortunate ones

crazy_cat_lady

I know that there are always people that judge, but circumstances change. As someone has already said, the op isn't in this situation by choice. If you have looked at her diary then you'll see that she is doing absolutely everything she can, and has been for some time now.
Kim, I'm happy to see you back and hope everything is going as well as can be.

moneyfacts

Having children is almost always a lifestyle choice. I'm not judging, just saying that maybe the op should focus on how fortunate she is. The state isn't here to provide anyone with a luxury life, or anywhere near one.

People suffer with true poverty and £1600 per month isn't that

ada-or-ardor

Moneyfacts, Debt Free Wannabe is for help and support, not judgment. It doesn't seem like you're helping or supporting Kim, and i think a lot of people here would perceive your comments as judgmental. You are more than welcome to have your opinions but have some tact: if you have issues with the benefits system, raise them with your local MP; don't hijack someone's thread, especially when that thread is for support. Kim has never stated she's in poverty: she's just looking for help to use the financial support that she receives (gratefully so I'm sure) from the state in the best and most effective way possible.

I think you're on the wrong board.

Profligate

Hi Kim,

Have you asked the council about a 'discretionary housing payment' to help cover your rent?

Also if you are eligible for PIP or other relevant benefits, it would make you exempt from the Benefit Cap . I can't post a link cos I'm new, but take a look at the Citizens Advice website, & search for Benefit Cap
A Citizens Advice adviser should be able to help you to explore what you may be entitled to.
Good luck

Profligate

Forgot to say - your water costs are high. Have you rang your water co & explained your circs?

Water companies often have schemes to help people in financial difficulties, especially those with vulnerabilities (including young children). They may be able to cap your charge at a more affordable rate.

fatbelly

Profligate wrote: »

Forgot to say - your water costs are high. Have you rang your water co & explained your circs?

Water companies often have schemes to help people in financial difficulties, especially those with vulnerabilities (including young children). They may be able to cap your charge at a more affordable rate.

Good call - though Kim may already be on to this

http://www.southwestwater.co.uk/index.cfm?articleid=1422

http://www.southwestwater.co.uk/index.cfm?articleid=10776

https://citizensadviceplymouth.org.uk/water-debt-gateway/

If you're bankrupt, you shouldn't be paying arrears - just ongoing use.

kimplus8

wahhhhh what have I missed????
fatbelly and profiligate, thanks for your kind and helpful comments, I have just sent off the watersure info so hopefully that will be sorted asap.


I have no idea what was originally said so im just guessing here but I have NEVER claimed to be in poverty, nor have I EVER been ungrateful for having the social security system that we have to help me during this awful situation.
I have ALWAYS worked until recently, its only due to redundancies that I found myself out of a job and had I not just had a baby then I would have been right on it but with a recent bipolar relapse and PND added to the mix on top of my already catastrophic divorce it wasn't top of my list.
I am returning to training in sept to hopefully land a job by Christmas and I am still doing voluntary work to keep my CV on trend and relevant.
yes having kids is a lifestyle choice I quite agree but at the time my lifestyle was supported by being in a very well paid job, a beautiful home and a solid family structure that was all destroyed when my then husband assaulted my kids and I had to flee our home and lost everything.
im not asking for a pity party but you really should think before you post 'moneyfacts' as not everyone is as think skinned as I now am and 6 months ago you comments would have been severely damaging to myself and others in my position.
thanks for everyone elses love and support- loves ya millions x

armchairexpert

Kim, you're an inspiration and you have a lot of people behind you. There'll always be people who feel better about themselves if they can convince themselves that misfortune is a character failing. It isn't.