How am i suposed to manage?

brownedoff_2

Ok I am at my wits end and don’t know where to turn or what to do..
Basically I am unable to work through ill health. Up until January I had a partner living with me, so was just about able to manage.
I receive Incapacity Benefit at the higher rate plus Income Support. I do get council tax benefit, but no help towards my mortgage; at least I won’t until October when I reach the 39 week threshold to qualify.
My daughter lives with me and pays £200 a month towards her keep. She is on maternity leave having given birth to a baby girl 2 weeks ago. So we now also have a baby to budget for. Although to be fair she does pay for her day to day costs. But I am expecting our utility bills to increase.
I have cut my spending to a minimum, I run a very old small car, for essential journeys only.
I do not go out anywhere that costs money, unless it’s someone else’s treat.
Clothes are bought from charity shops or received as presents.
The only way I am surviving is through borrowing from family in the hope that my situation will improve and allow me to pay back their kindness. I would really appreciate any tips or advice anyone may have?

My budget is as follows:
Monthly Income
Incap Benefit 325.40
Income Support 12.20
Daughters Keep 200.00
Total 537.60
Monthly Outgoings
Mortgage 297.50
Water Rates 27.20
TV License 11.38
Mobile Phone 25.00
Landline & Internet 30.00
Gas & Electric 105.00
Flat Maintenance charges 38.00
Kitchen Appliance insurance 11.00
Mobile Insurance 2.49
Contents insurance 15.48
Buildings insurance 22.50
Contact lenses 8.00
Car running costs (Inc tax/ins/petrol) 50.00
Food approx 150.00
Total 793.55
[FONT=&quot]Shortfall 255.95[/FONT]

bryanb

Cut out Mobile phone&use the landline, then you wont need mobile insurance. Scrap the kitchen appliance insurance. That's more than £35 saved already.

steven767

When i was living at home about a year ago, I gave £300 to my parents and so did most of my mates...

You can cut the broadband down, lots of cheaper companies out there.

Sell any unused goods on eBay (tips on how to do this on the eBay board).

dmg24

I think you will be best to post your SOA on the Debt Free Wanabee board. They can help you minimise your outgoings x

busy_mom_2

Your daughter will be recieving child tax credit and child benefit now so she should be able to support her daughter, is she a lone parent as if so she will be better of than you if she were to return to work at the minimum 16 hrs. I agree with some others look at the mobile and internet bills and maybe mobile and appliance insurance? what about DLA? if you then get higher rate other benefits can then be applied for and once the interset is paid on your mortgage it will help.
Good luck though, i work for the DWP and amazing how some people are better on benefits but there are changes coming into place so hopefully those more needy will get the help, there again do we really trust this goverment?

sassybooboos

your contents and buildings insurance sounds really high. have you tried to get cheaper.

brownedoff_2

Thanks for all your replies and suggestions.

Unfortunately I’m tied into an 18 month contract on the mobile. Agreed I could cancel the insurance on it.
The kitchen appliance insurance covers fridge/freezer (was recently replaced due to a fault). The dishwasher (had to have a new motherboard), and the washing machine. So although £11 may seem excessive it has more than paid for itself and as the washing machine is getting on I’m reluctant to cancel.

Can anyone recommend a cheaper landline/bb deal? Currently I get my broadband plus all local and national calls 24/7 and line rental for £30 per month. I’ve searched and can’t find a better deal.

Daughter is currently on maternity leave and plans to return to work when little one is 9 months old. She does support the baby herself.

I’ve twice applied for DLA and been turned down.

Building insurance is laid down by the management company of the flats I live in and is non negotiable.
Contents is the lowest I can get as I’ve had more than 3 claims in the last 3 years (due to the freezer defrosting and the dishwasher flooding)

I’ve sold virtually everything that isn’t nailed down on eBay already! I’m even currently crocheting hats with wool bought from charity shops to try and sell.

Loopy_Girl

I just got the weekly MSE newsletter and Talk Talk is offering a package broadband, rental and calls for £15 per month via the Uswitch website as you get 2 months free

Granted it's only free evening and weekend calls but if you are trying to make cutbacks.....:)

Hopefully your daughter is also making sure that she is getting maintenance too

brownedoff_2

Loopy_Girl wrote: »

I just got the weekly MSE newsletter and Talk Talk is offering a package broadband, rental and calls for £15 per month via the Uswitch website as you get 2 months free

Granted it's only free evening and weekend calls but if you are trying to make cutbacks.....:)

Hopefully your daughter is also making sure that she is getting maintenance too

Talk Talk had a really bad press at one point, wonder if they've overcome their teething problems? will look into that one tomorrow, thanks.

Daughter is in the process of sorting out her own finances, I've got enough dealing with my own at the mo, tho as previously mentioned she does support baby herself.

Thanks for the suggestions..

allen35

Hi Brownedoff,

Have you asked your mortgage provider to possibly lower your re-payments for 6 months.
I know someone in a similar predicament who asked and they got 50% reduction for 2 months(not much but it helped).
Would it be possible to seek help from a debt advisor(C.A.B) who could negotiate on your behalf.
A shortfall of £60 pw doesn't sound that much on paper but over 9 months while waiting for Income Support to help with housing costs it does add up to a lot.
I wish you all the best and your daughter and new grandchild.

P.S I don't know your illnesses but based on the fact you have applied for DLA twice before you must feel you do meet the criteria, perhaps apply again and seek advice when filling out the new claim form, it may be an uphill struggle but explaining to someone else about the restrictions your illness brings on seems the best way to fill out the form.
Good Luck.

emmy05

is ur water at a reduced rate? dont ppl on benefits get water cheaper?