“Rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life.”

WannabeFree

I've no idea how long it takes Teafor2. They aren't quick at doing anything though.

Think I just need to focus on making the budget work better so I know we can manage consistently. Sort the rent out and just get on with it. I don't think there is anything else I can do.

HairyHandofDartmoor

I'm really sorry about the DLA being refused Wannabe, that's awful. I'm glad the MP is involved and glad that you're going to appeal. The majoity of appeals succeed so yours is likely to, but I know you need the money now, so it's bad news for you right now.

I know you're worried about the rent appeal, but don't worry before you know that you have anything to worry about. I'm glad that you're getting help from Shelter because it's a lot for you to cope with.

But you are coping superbly as you always do .

WannabeFree

Thank you HH. I think instead of having the food budget as £30 including 'everything' else I need to break it down a bit more. So I have travel expenses. I have a pot for the smalls clothes although I can't see anything else they will need now so maybe not clothes. But they are kids and I can bet something pops up. I'm not sure. I don't know where to start to be honest

HairyHandofDartmoor

I would wait and see Wannabe. I know it's hard to wait when you're anxious but you don't know how much they're going to ask for yet, so don't assume the worst will happen. Try and think about something else if you can, I know it's not easy. What about watching The Gilmore Girls?

charlies_tribe

So sorry the MR didn't go well.
You seem to be so short each week. I've just done a quick check as a parent of 3 children, in my house with my council tax and it comes out at about £400 A week help. Please try to check everything again and see why yours doesn't seem right. Don't be afraid to claim/check, that's what it's there for, to help you.
Can you ask tax credits to repay the overpayment over a longer period? I think there is an online form.
Please do another check and compare to what you are actually receiving x

WannabeFree

charlies_tribe wrote: »

So sorry the MR didn't go well.
You seem to be so short each week. I've just done a quick check as a parent of 3 children, in my house with my council tax and it comes out at about £400 A week help. Please try to check everything again and see why yours doesn't seem right. Don't be afraid to claim/check, that's what it's there for, to help you.
Can you ask tax credits to repay the overpayment over a longer period? I think there is an online form.
Please do another check and compare to what you are actually receiving x

I get around £247 a week. I can't get the calculator to work because I don't see where I can put overpayments in etc.

I get £74 odd pence Income support, £48.10 child benefit, £77 odd pence housing benefit and just under £50 child tax credit currently.

When DLA was in payment I got around £170 a week child tax credit, along with carers allowance plus the DLA. This is what I think it should go back to when the DLA is sorted.


x

charlies_tribe

I just put everything in as a starting point to see if there was anything missing.
I did it on £0 wages , £125 rent and council tax and got £170 child tax credits a week without any dla or anything in the calculation. I think that may be why you seem so short. Please consider asking them to take the overpayment over a longer period.
I hope this doesn't come across bad, just wanted to help and see if there was anything you weren't getting. I don't like reading how much you struggle and wanted to help x

WannabeFree

They don't take the rent as £125 but I don't think that makes a difference to tax credits.

I wasn't aware I could ask for it to be over longer. They just said they where doing an in year recovery for the over payment from this year and there was already an ongoing recovery from an old joint claim. I will call and ask though. Of course I don't mind I appreciate it. I thought it was just worked out by them and that was what had to happen. None of the places I have been for help have ever questioned the amount being repaid.

x

charlies_tribe

It was something I saw the other day. And just had a look. Will see if I can find link as I'm sure you can do it online.

charlies_tribe

I think I've don't it right,
https://www.gov.uk/tax-credits-overpayments/cant-afford-repayments