Single lady, no benefits! 24 November 2022 at 11:56AM in Benefits & tax credits 8 replies 511 views

lanajill

Hi there, I have started this post to try and get some clarity on a single lady that lives on her own but still has to pay rent that 2 or 3 people can live in. I am trying to help this person to try and live on her minimum wage, living on her own with only a cat and dog. The government does not help individuals? Why?

LE3

There is insufficient detail in your post for anyone to help - what is the actual problem? 
Unfortunately if somebody is living in a property that is too big for their needs, they will need to increase their income to cover the rent, move house or get a lodger. 

Spoonie_Turtle

The government does help individuals based on their circumstances.

Has she tried a benefits calculation to make sure she's not missing out on anything?
https://www.entitledto.co.uk/
https://benefits-calculator.turn2us.org.uk/

Unfortunately the thresholds are quite low for single people who have no children and aren't unable to work, so it is entirely possible she really isn't entitled to any help if she's deemed to earn enough for herself.

calcotti

lanajill said:

..lives on her own but still has to pay rent that 2 or 3 people can live in...

I don't understand what this means.

sheramber

 Living in  a house with rooms for 2 or 3 people/

If she is living in house with empty rooms she could look into taking in a lodger.

Is she privately renting?   Then she could look for a smaller house.

As said above, check on one of the benefit calculators to see if she  is eligible for Universal Credit.

Alice_Holt

I'd suggest you point her to her local advice charity, and the online benefit calculators.


How many bedrooms does her rented house have?
Is it social housing or a private rental ?
Can she move to a cheaper rental property?

What is her monthly income, and her savings ?
Does she have any health conditions or disabilities?

Why do you incorrectly assert that "the government doesn't help individuals" ?

diystarter7

LE3 said:

There is insufficient detail in your post for anyone to help - what is the actual problem? 
Unfortunately if somebody is living in a property that is too big for their needs, they will need to increase their income to cover the rent, move house or get a lodger. 

What help has this "single lady" already investigated that made you come to the conclusion you posted?

I'm no benefits person but also why state the person is a "lady" as I'm a bit confused by that.?

Thanks

Pollycat

lanajill said:

Hi there, I have started this post to try and get some clarity on a single lady that lives on her own but still has to pay rent that 2 or 3 people can live in. I am trying to help this person to try and live on her minimum wage, living on her own with only a cat and dog. The government does not help individuals? Why?

Incorrect.
It helps individuals depending on their circumstances.
Have you checked that this person is definitely entitled to any benefits?
If you haven't, there are benefit checkers on gov.uk website.

diystarter7

diystarter7 said:

LE3 said:

There is insufficient detail in your post for anyone to help - what is the actual problem? 
Unfortunately if somebody is living in a property that is too big for their needs, they will need to increase their income to cover the rent, move house or get a lodger. 

What help has this "single lady" already investigated that made you come to the conclusion you posted?

I'm no benefits person but also why state the person is a "lady" as I'm a bit confused by that.?

Thanks

Btw OP, not sure how I forgot. If you are like me and find realms of info overwhelming, you may want to try the council and see if they have a 'benefits advisor' or can direct you to one who often give you an appointment over the phone and call you back.

Either way, good luck