Council Tax and Energy Debts

clairelgf

Yes, and it's all correct at the moment.

elsien

Has your partner looked at the Council tax severe mental impairment disregard due to his mental health?
Is he not claiming ESA, or is that in the benefits bit already?

MovingForwards

I don't know who your gas and electric suppliers you are with but Google their name and add hardship grant as I know British Gas have a budget to help reduce / clear their gas / electric customers debt if they are in hardship, I would strongly urge you to look into it.

The companies do not actively say about it, but it is out there, no guarantee you will get any help, but it is worth a try.

As you are on a water meter you need to reuse water or be careful with how you use water. If you have a bath, but there is a shower overhead, have the shower, don't run water down the plug hole when brushing teeth etc.

As the kids are young, can you trim your food budget and swap some foods to own brand / value brands. Should be able to save £100+ a month while they are young.

Are you having food go off before eating it? If so, buy frozen veg etc.

Are you / your husband cooking from scratch or relying on pre-made foods (eg chopped onions / carrots / mash, ready meals etc), all are very expensive.

clairelgf

MovingForwards wrote: »

I don't know who your gas and electric suppliers you are with but Google their name and add hardship grant as I know British Gas have a budget to help reduce / clear their gas / electric customers debt if they are in hardship, I would strongly urge you to look into it.

The companies do not actively say about it, but it is out there, no guarantee you will get any help, but it is worth a try.

As you are on a water meter you need to reuse water or be careful with how you use water. If you have a bath, but there is a shower overhead, have the shower, don't run water down the plug hole when brushing teeth etc.

As the kids are young, can you trim your food budget and swap some foods to own brand / value brands. Should be able to save £100+ a month while they are young.

Are you having food go off before eating it? If so, buy frozen veg etc.

Are you / your husband cooking from scratch or relying on pre-made foods (eg chopped onions / carrots / mash, ready meals etc), all are very expensive.

I have applied for the hardship Frant before, but it never gets awarded. They don't think my circumstances warrant it I believe 🙄

We do the best we can with food, I try to go to Aldi, but my partner can be a bit snobby. Which is fine, but he's not the one paying for it!

elsien wrote: »

Has your partner looked at the Council tax severe mental impairment disregard due to his mental health?
Is he not claiming ESA, or is that in the benefits bit already?

we don't get either. The council wouldn't award it. My partner doesn't claim ESA as the process and face to face interviews are too stressful.

MovingForwards

Keep applying for it, don't give up!

Does your partner realise how much money you don't have? How you are struggling? You need him on your side and being a food snob isn't the way to help you.

Re: ESA, is there no option for home visit or telephone appointments, especially if backed up with GP letters / evidence? What help is he getting with his MH?

Something needs to change as this will take it's toll on you.

clairelgf

MovingForwards wrote: »

Keep applying for it, don't give up!

Does your partner realise how much money you don't have? How you are struggling? You need him on your side and being a food snob isn't the way to help you.

Re: ESA, is there no option for home visit or telephone appointments, especially if backed up with GP letters / evidence? What help is he getting with his MH?

Something needs to change as this will take it's toll on you.

I have just reapplied to the hardship fund, so fingers crossed 🤞

He knows money is sometimes tight, but he do realise how bad it is. I don't like to talk about it and I want to deal with it once and for all.

I think he is going to look into ESA again in the new year, I might have to push him a little to do so.

MovingForwards

I've everything crossed for you and if it's a no go this time, see how long it is til you can try again, then do it.

I think you need to have a quick chat with your partner, just be matter of fact and say "we are X in debt, we can't have X, Y and Z brands as it's too expensive, I need you to understand I can't do this without your help".

Give him a push, help him with any forms, posting them if they need to be posted and just pass comment about working together to help him. He needs to claim the money to help both of you, it's not to fall on your shoulders all the time.

Pop on the benefits board and ask them what the process is, what adaptions / adjustments can be put in place by the DWP to help your partner claim, make appointments etc then you can tell him and let him digest it for a week or so before asking if he has applied yet.

GlendaSugarbean

I completely understand not wanting to add to your partner's stress levels, but you simply can't do this on your own - the numbers aren't there. And if you end up in more difficulties, with county court proceedings or bailiffs, that is going to be even more stressful for him.

Can you cancel the childcare temporarily while you get back on your feet?

clairelgf

GlendaSugarbean wrote: »

I completely understand not wanting to add to your partner's stress levels, but you simply can't do this on your own - the numbers aren't there. And if you end up in more difficulties, with county court proceedings or bailiffs, that is going to be even more stressful for him.

Can you cancel the childcare temporarily while you get back on your feet?

We've thought about it before, but we don't want to disrupt him because he has settled so well and loves going.

I just don't know what to do.

elsien

Who does your partner see about his mental health. If he can get confati N about the impact from a professional and he's getting PIP at the enhanced or standard rate I would challenge the council's decision not to give the SMI discount.