Don't Know What to Claim

HillStreetBlues

JadedAngel88 said:

although you say it matures in September, why leave it till then when you need it now.

Might not have an option, some saving accounts have a penalty for early closure/ withdrawal, others don't allow it at all.

Muttleythefrog

Yeah hindsight in this case sadly applicable. The giving away of money you may well need etc. I repeat the advice of others in looking at New Style ESA... see if that is an option given your recent work history and inability to work. Just because someone at a Jobcentre who won't have anything like the knowledge of regular posters here... says you can't claim anything or similar.. doesn't mean it is true. NS ESA and PIP are not means tested although you've been advised of caveat regarding ESA/pension. Speak to CAB perhaps on these benefits as I sincerely believe you will struggle within the system and are clearly unfamiliar with it... that's not a criticism but the reality many claimants face and need help overcoming. If you do go down the route of targeting ESA and think you'll meet the necessary NI contributions criteria then try to get details of your medical situation in documentary form... so recent consultant reports, diagnosis letters etc...they may prove helpful including to anyone who helps you make claims. Also helpful full details and reports involved in your successful PIP claim.

If ESA is not claimed successfully or is not applicable then yes you'll live on your savings and PIP until qualifying for UC... hopefully any gifts you made will not present a barrier to that in terms of deprivation of capital.

I'm also concerned you are living in what sounds a very expensive situation... that's a quite high amount of electricity for example (unless it includes elements of heating) and isolated spots usually mean greater costs for plenty things including getting groceries or services. Older houses can of course be expensive to generally maintain. I would look at your living circumstances and see if longer term it makes sense to adjust given also your disabilities and how they may play out.

Money saving advice generally... in terms of bills and groceries is widely available... including here. If you were more urban located I'd suggest community larders etc (I get 2 bags of food for £2 twice a week)...but your locality may restrict some of the money saving options in daily living expenses.

Good luck

PenniesInHeaven

poppy12345 said:

PenniesInHeaven said: and haven't mentioned Universal Credits anywhere on my post but people keep mentioning it.

I didn't know anything about not being able to claim benefits if you've got £16,000 in savings because I've never claimed any thing in my entire life 
 

Are you sure about that? I think you should read your own post again. 

PenniesInHeaven said:

Please can anyone help me with whaI can clai and any help I can get
I've tried 
Universal Credits but I got told by the person in the job centre I can't get it until I have less than £16,000

You could access your savings but there would be penalty for doing so.  
Please see my comment above and read the link I posted about New style ESA.

Is that your full name you put in your last comment? If so then I'd advise you to edit and remove it, this is a public forum anyone can see what you post and you shouldn't give any personal information such as names etc.

apologies I'd known idea how that happens apart from the usual text predictable which allegedly but I haven't tried to claim universal credit so I once again my apologies.
I even read it twice before posting but maybe excuse is bad eyesight 

freesha

As someone else said, savings are for rainy days - better get the brolly out! You can't expect taxpayers to fund your cleaner when you have £16k in the bank.