Making Tax Credits Work For Us

space_rider

Are you claiming DLA?

James123_2

Hi!
Thanks for the above. Yes, I do get some DLA - although this has only been awarded for a very short time. Obviously this will become permanet if I am given a terminal diagnosis - hardly something to look forward to. Terminal, I'm told, is 'less than 6 months'. All I know is that I'm not in remission after intensive chemotherapy, so odds are not in my favour. HOWEVER, I'm saying this as a pragmatist - not to gain sympathy. As indicated in other posts, both my wife & I are chronically ill in our mid-forties. Until 12 months ago we jointly earned around 45K.
HERE are my monthly outgoings;
Mortgage; £107 - but soon to double!
Hateful & TOTALLY ARBITARY Council Tax £142
Car Tax/Insurance: £35
House Insurance £30
TV licence £11
Phone/Broadband (only thing which keeps me sane) £30
Gas/Elect £75
FOOD £250 (Yes, I do buy all the budget stuff!)
Travel £50 - fuel
Medication: £18 - 2x pre-payment prescription
Son's misc - £30 - school dins etc (
Life Insurance £20
Water £30
£828 so far ...
You can't do it cheaper than this. No account taken of servicing of car (no real bus service here)
AND, of course, we're both going to be hit by Gordon's axing of 10% rate. We do have savings a little over £16k which is why no help with CT. However, with a house you need a modest slush-fund for repairs.
I can't do anything about the above, but it helps to have blurt these things out to strangers - so thanks!

clairec79

If you aren't working and have an income of under £14,600 (roughly I can't remember the exact figure off the top of my head) you'd be entitled to free school meals for your son and an NHS exemption card, so no prescription or dental (if on NHS) charges which may help a little.

James123_2

Thanks - will look into this. Had thought we'd have to be on IS. Would save a few £££.