It's getting tough out there. Feeling the pinch?

euronorris

TheAble said:

Deleted_User said:

TheAble said:

I think you have to try and move past that anxiety. Lot of money there you could be losing out on.

I really appreciate the point you make; however my anxiety is crippling and combined with other health issues make seemingly straightforward tasks insurmountable. I can assure you I wish I wasn’t this way, but I am x

I do understand. I just think if you could just steel yourself to get through the process, it's a one-time thing (I believe?) and then you'll have a bunch more money coming your way. And that extra financial security may help to relieve your symptoms somewhat.

I just want to say that it is not a one time process. It can be reassessed regularly, and PIP can be reassessed annually. They've been known to do that, even with people who are completely bed bound and with conditions that mean they will only worsen, and never improve.

It's a very flawed process, designed for people to fail, sadly.

Jellytotts

If it's of any help, when we applied for UC at the beginning of lockdown it was a very simple and straightforward process.  It's all been done online or over the phone and was far simpler than when we used to claim child tax credits....that was always a faff with what you told them you'd earned and what they decided to put into the computer.  They ask for our income figures monthly, we pop them in online and the money pops into the account a few days later. It's a godsend, we don't get much but it's helped enormously and allowed us to claim help with council tax and covers prescriptions/glasses for us both.

KxMx

@Deleted_User Would it help if someone was present as you did the application to soothe any anxiety or offer assistance if you need to ask?

Ultimately it'll be not just you but your children who miss out if you don't apply. 
I realise you have health problems but you sound like a fantastic Mum who I'm sure would do anything for them... So do this.

I had a deprived childhood and I'm afraid I have some resentment towards my mother for this, the parts that I feel are her fault.

I'm looking to move out into a flat of my own soon (delayed by health problems myself), I find myself embarrassed and angry at my ignorance of furniture buying and decorating at the age of mid 30's because I had so little experience of those things up until now, barely any examples to learn from.

I've come to realise that some things I thought were normal growing up are absolutely not and it's really triggered me to look back and re assess my childhood which hasn't been pleasant at all. 

carrotstick_2

Rosa_Damascena said:

euronorris said:

TheAble said:

Deleted_User said:

TheAble said:

I think you have to try and move past that anxiety. Lot of money there you could be losing out on.

I really appreciate the point you make; however my anxiety is crippling and combined with other health issues make seemingly straightforward tasks insurmountable. I can assure you I wish I wasn’t this way, but I am x

I do understand. I just think if you could just steel yourself to get through the process, it's a one-time thing (I believe?) and then you'll have a bunch more money coming your way. And that extra financial security may help to relieve your symptoms somewhat.

I just want to say that it is not a one time process. It can be reassessed regularly, and PIP can be reassessed annually. They've been known to do that, even with people who are completely bed bound and with conditions that mean they will only worsen, and never improve.

It's a very flawed process, designed for people to fail, sadly.

Its the kids that suffer for it. They could be having a main meal at lunchtime allowing their parents to spend whatever is saved on something else for their children. Don't expect it to change at any time with an unsympathetic minister who has no idea what it is to be hungry and denies that food banks are needed.

As of September they will being to roll out free school meals to all primary school children in Wales. 

JIL

Theres a lot of training going on in UC centres, may I suggest you send in a letter and get someone trained to deal with anxiety issues an they can talk you through the process, send the letter directly to the centre manager or email them.  Note it addressee only. 

I know in general theres a lot of negativity towards work coaches and UC call handlers, but I have met some really good and caring ones. 

[Deleted User]

@Deleted_User just wanted to say sorry you’ve had these issues claiming what you’re entitled to, it would be ideal if there was a way forward but ultimately you’ll know what’s best for you and your family 👍

[Deleted User]

Thank you all for your comments and kindness, it means a lot. This forum is one of my few safe places where I can be open and honest about my struggles.

Take care everyone x

mumtoomany

Hi @Deleted_User. My advice on universal credit is not to claim it, but to check by putting your details anonymously into the GOV website. See if you are entitled and to how much before you decide. I think you don't have a regular earned income. We are still on the old working tax credits, get £73ish a week. If we swap over to UC, we'll get around £8 a month! This is because our earned income is very sporadic. Some months ok, others next to nothing. We don't earn minimum wage, so can't claim! Hope this helps, mumtoomany.XX

[Deleted User]

Good afternoon everyone

Thank you again for your kindness. 

I was speaking to a dear friend today who is comfortably off, but she farms for a living and says they are really feeling the pinch with rising fuel prices, lack of EU funding for things that they previously had help with, general disquiet amongst the farming community about the politics of everything etc. We are both going to have a veeerrryyy frugal March (even more so than normal), and have a little Whatsapp "group" set up to motivate each other. Making it a game and a bit of fun that we chat about on messages will spur us both on. 

We have another 20 chickens arriving tomorrow that are being given to us, along with some feed etc. My egg sales will now increase which is nice xx

nannygladys

asparklyblonde - what a good idea to have a whatsap group with your friend to cheer each other on, besides my dd1 nobody else knows I struggle and we support each quite a lot, I think it's good if you can talk to someone 'live' who can understand and not just think going without the latest scented candle is hard budgeting

I ordered a shopping trolley the other day and it came today, so now I stop using the car so much for local visits to the few shops, library and PO that are around here, it seems quite sturdy but I won't be filling it too much when I'm having a frugal few months.
Nannyg