So what do you do when you can't cut any more?

Melusine

I think that you should go back now and have another go at your budget spreadsheet. For instance, I can't see internet access ISP costs in there. Unless you're getting it free?

Internet access costs are built in to my phone bill.

Respite for adults (that's people over 16, not 19) costs. And is rationed. The first thing that gets cut in budget tightening is the provision for the disabled. I am entitled to 26 nights a year. Always have been. That doesn't mean I always got it. The legal position is, if a council has provided one night's respite to one person, they ahve fulfilled their legal obligation to provide a respite service, and if funds don't permit, they cannot be expected to provide the full amount for everyone. For about eight years, I never got a single night at all. It was noted that the same families always got the respite stays, while some of us carried on without.
Then about 4 years ago, they tried to close the respite and day centre down in my town, to save money. The "consultation" was the head of SS telling us we're going to do this and that, and acting like we had no say. I was so incensed I started an action group and interested a local journalist, who got the front page. SS were amazed, and taken aback. We fought long and hard, lost the respite provision but kept the day service. And suddenly, they wanted to give me what I was entitled to. probably thought I was going to start shouting about it now.

Melusine

what will happen in the future? are there care homes or such like for adults with learning difficulties in your area.

Eventually, when he and I are ready, he will go into a home. And it will be the RIGHT home for him. I won't accept anything, and I won't be bounced into putting him into whichever is cheapest. But whichever is best for his needs. We are looking now, ina sort of casual, "that one's not suitable, but this one's a possiblility" kind of way.

It can be cut back futher get rid of haircuts, reduce payments to parents and life insurance.

I only have my hair cut about once every three months (hence only £5 a month). It's the kind of hair that needs it badly by then. And the boost is worth it.
Payment to mother is not negotiable. I'd sooner starve than default with her. I'd never hear the last of it. And neither would anyone else. Believe me, when it comes to money, you don't leave my mum out of pocket.

Have wondered about the life assurance, must admit.

squeaky

Have you contacted your other creditors to re-negotiate? As you have learned, quoting the cccs advice (right or wrong) helps focus their minds wonderfully

tallyhoh

Sorry if this sounds a bit, well you know but who would benefit from any life insurance that you have? If your son would get any money they would stop his benefits or greatly reduce them.

If you still think that you want life insurance, have a look at uswitch or something similar for the cheapest.

affordmylife

sorry i only said 19 because the students at my school are there from 3 to 19 so i assumed they would come under the heading school age until 19.

boredofbeingathome

Melusine wrote: »

I think that you should go back now and have another go at your budget spreadsheet. For instance, I can't see internet access ISP costs in there. Unless you're getting it free?

Internet access costs are built in to my phone bill.

Respite for adults (that's people over 16, not 19) costs. And is rationed. The first thing that gets cut in budget tightening is the provision for the disabled. I am entitled to 26 nights a year. Always have been. That doesn't mean I always got it. The legal position is, if a council has provided one night's respite to one person, they ahve fulfilled their legal obligation to provide a respite service, and if funds don't permit, they cannot be expected to provide the full amount for everyone. For about eight years, I never got a single night at all. It was noted that the same families always got the respite stays, while some of us carried on without.
Then about 4 years ago, they tried to close the respite and day centre down in my town, to save money. The "consultation" was the head of SS telling us we're going to do this and that, and acting like we had no say. I was so incensed I started an action group and interested a local journalist, who got the front page. SS were amazed, and taken aback. We fought long and hard, lost the respite provision but kept the day service. And suddenly, they wanted to give me what I was entitled to. probably thought I was going to start shouting about it now.

I hate that you have had to fight for basic rights- some council's sicken me. This flaming goveernment needs a good kick up the backside- they were supposed to be for the people, all i see is a gradual deterioration of services and an increase in taxes- money servicing their fat backsides, and useless reports, stupid wars,dinners and awards for stupid footballersand drug addict popstars:mad: On the positive side you are a fighter and i am sure that with continued determination you will get what you need in order to secure your son's future.

CarolynH

squeaky wrote: »

You can make your own bread for as little (with skill determination and knowledge of the game ) as 15p per loaf - and 60p per loaf is in easy reach.:)

Try your local freecycle for an unwanted breadmaker?

Need_To_Sort_It

Grrr, I just ages posting a reply and hit the wrong button but what I was saying is this.

Join the PDSA scheme for low income households qualifying pet care just incase one of your doggies gets poorly. There are still quite a few in Sussex that do the scheme

Dont forget a grant from the social fund for necessary items - incontinence must mean lots of bedding, beds, clothing etc and its also for table + chairs, cookers, pot and pans, wardrobes lots of necessary things, you would almost certainly qualify for a grant (not repayable) on the grounds of keeping your son out of full time care and on keeping him established in the community.

Also, you simply CAN NOT afford your debt repayments, no 2 ways about it. I have £36000 of debt between 12 creditors, 7 of them have just taken £1 a month token payment. I can not give what I have not got and the way I see it nor can you. Well done on getting the payments reduced so far tho

I would like to say I think you are doing a ruddy good job hun and my hat flew off to you when I read your post.

Good luck xx

PS - I am a hair dressing student, if your ever anywhere near South Wales or I am up that way, you have got yourself a free hairdresser.

Millie's_Mum

Haven't got any good advice but didn't want to read and run.

I think you are doing a wonderful job and you should be very proud of what you already do, I know when everyone starts offering advice it can seem a bit critical although its not meant that way, you are already doing brilliantly coping with everything you do.

notisis

Hi
Not sure if I missed this in your thread but can you/do you claim a carers allowance?

notisis