Will we really manage?

chewits

I'm a single parent, with one child, and am receiving Income Support. I've checked I'm getting everything entitled to - child benefit, child tax credits,housing benefit, council tax benefit, free school meals etc.

I receive £115.15 a week (£8.15 a week is deducted for a social fund payment). We have been just about managing on this for some time. However, our fuel bills have been seriously under-estimated,and the monthly direct debits have just been re-assessed, going up from £60.00 month to £120.00 month. The upshot of this is that after all my other expenses have been taken into account, me and my DS are left with £25.00 week for food and any incidental expenses.

At times, it feels like something of a positive challenge, and I've been going through the cupboards and freezer trying to conjure up recipes. Then at other times, I think I'm being incredibly naive and that we'll never manage and end up in a real mess.

Any ideas, suggestions or comments would be most welcome. Thanks

floss2

Are you able to earn anything? If so can you get a little job to bring in that amount each week? Maybe cleaning for a friend or family member? I used to do my mum's cleaning once a week for her when I was going through my divorce.

peb

Hello and my sympathies are with you. Hopefully this is shortterm and once the payments are up to date and the weather is warmer the fuel costs will decrease. Have you read Martin's guide to fuel suppliers? If not may be worth checking and if you get even a small discount changing as there may be incentives.

LIving off £25 is doable but hard - have a play over on the old style board and see if that can help. IF DS can have hot lunches at school then during term time that should help.

Good luck and keep posting

newmum1

Have you looked at switching your supplier to see if it is any cheaper?

stapeley

I would get in touch with the supplier and explain that the fuel was underestimated , and that has resulted in an excessive increase . £120 per month in the summer months is too much , balance it out . Work out what you think in will be over the whole year then divide in by 12 . Also is the meter worlking corrrectly ask them to check that as well. good luck

misspoppy

Hi

i would call the supplier and explain what this will do to you there must be something that can be done in these circumstances, have a look at this site and contact them they might be able to help you http://www.energywatch.org.uk/

chewits

Thank you everyone. I've spoken to DSS who have told me that I can earn £20.00 a week before my benefits are affected, so I'll look around for a little job I can do while my son's at school. I've been told by British Gas (they supply both my gas and electric) that I can't switch supplier until any outstanding monies are paid. I'll certainly look into it again when I've caught up though. I explained to them the financial hardship that the higher bills are putting me in, and they have agreed to knock the electric down to £44.00 a month. The gas is still £62.00 but at least it's a small saving.