Money Dilemma - Gas Or Rent Arrears?

Boppy_2

My wonderful mum gave me some money yesterday to get food with and the essential bills this week. I've done the basic food shopping i could do for 2 adults, a child and 2 dogs and spent £30, i now have £10 left over but will need gas this week at some point because it's on the emergency at the moment. I am in rent arrears which was verbally agreed that i would pay it back at £5 every Tuesday which was fine because child benefit goes in then, except this week it isn't because i am changing bank accounts so this week we're getting no money at all. If i phoned my housing association do you think i'll get in trouble for not paying? Or should i pay it and then put £5 on gas and hope and pray it lasts?

**Amy**

Phone them and explain the situation.

If they say you HAVE to pay it, ask if you can pay double the next week (if this is ok, as you should get the money you were meant to get this week, next week??).

If they say no, you may have to pay it?

Try the above first.

skylight

What does your gas service?? As in cooking, heating and hot water???? Can you turn off the hot water?? (Boil a kettle for washing up!! and go to your Mums for a bath!)

Problem with not paying £5 rent this week is that you need to find £10 next week and I know its a lot when you have nothing. Can you pay £3 rent instead and £7 gas? At least thats only £2 extra to find next week. Check the weather in your area for the week and see whats that will be like. Last week we used next to no gas but I had to put the heating back on today and yesterday!

If the weather is likely to be terrible (again!) then call the HA and tell them. They will complain (programmed to!) but are unlikely to do anything as long as you pay them next week the 2 weeks without fail - they like to know whats going on.

mummytofour

I would pay £5 on each.

Hell1

Hi:j

Sorry to hear of your troubles, been there myself. I agree with mummyto four, £5 each. Don't worry, it is only a few days, things will get better. Good luck.
Hell

Boppy_2

The gas is just for cooking which we use at least twice a day, we can't have the heating on because my boilers not fit for use at the moment and the HA still haven't sorted it after a month, thankfully with an extra top on the house isn't too cold!

I will give them a ring on Monday and see what they suggest, i would rather pay £10 next week that put £5 on each and then run out of milk or bread, i hate being so skint Having a massive list on ebay this weekend so hopefully should get a few pounds from that, it's my birthday tomorrow, some birthday it will be

cassy

Boppy wrote: »

The gas is just for cooking which we use at least twice a day, we can't have the heating on because my boilers not fit for use at the moment and the HA still haven't sorted it after a month, thankfully with an extra top on the house isn't too cold!

I will give them a ring on Monday and see what they suggest, i would rather pay £10 next week that put £5 on each and then run out of milk or bread, i hate being so skint Having a massive list on ebay this weekend so hopefully should get a few pounds from that, it's my birthday tomorrow, some birthday it will be

Boppy i dont know if this will help or not but there is companies out there that give tokens for milk and fruit for the young ones, may save you a few pounds try your local council for advise

barnaby-bear

Boppy wrote: »

The gas is just for cooking which we use at least twice a day, we can't have the heating on because my boilers not fit for use at the moment and the HA still haven't sorted it after a month, thankfully with an extra top on the house isn't too cold!

I will give them a ring on Monday and see what they suggest, i would rather pay £10 next week that put £5 on each and then run out of milk or bread, i hate being so skint Having a massive list on ebay this weekend so hopefully should get a few pounds from that, it's my birthday tomorrow, some birthday it will be

Do you have a microwave, it's about the cheapest way to cook... you can steam veg. and reheat batch cooked? Using gas to cook twice a day sounds quite expensive.

taplady

Boppy - I'm sorry you're having such a tough time ATM. I'd ring the HA and explain the situation that is as long as you can afford to pay them double next week. Happy Birthday for tomorrow - hope you can enjoy it:bdaycake:

andan

Get yourself on here tomorrow so you can celebrate your birthday with all your new dfw friends who are here to help you out.:beer:

Does sound like your going through a really tough time at the moment but things do get better, you just have to keep perservering. I would phone the HA and try and sort something out with them, then get working on listing things on ebay, although i wouldn't put them on there until monday as thats when they start doing free gallery pics. Also have you posted your SOA on here so people can have a look and maybe suggest some ways of helping you out.

I really hope you have a great birthday tomorrow and try not to let things get you down.

Boppy_2

Thank you to each and every one of you on here and who have PMed me, i am so touched by the responses i am crying, you have all made my birthday lovely.

I am going to phone the housing tomorrow regarding my boiler. I have enough money to pay my rent arrears now after raiding the copper jar and a friend giving me £5 last night so it is 1 last worry.

I don't have a microwave, it blew up almost a year ago and i don't actually miss it until now :rotfl: I checked my gas meter earlier as it's on emergency and it's only used 11p since Friday night :eek: my boiler must've used loads when it was on!

I am definitely feeling more positive today and the posts and PM's have really added to my good mood. I love this forum sooo much!!

Happy 23rd Birthday to me!! :j