HELP needed with the benifit system

Oldernotwiser

DKLS wrote: »

A couple of things I did, when in a similar position to earn extra money.

I did glass collecting in a nightclub, it was cash in hand, I got plenty of free drinks, plus could usually find at least £20 every night, left by drunk customers.

Once my confidence was built up a bit, I signed up at a catering agency, Initially doing plate service for corporate do's and xmas work parties, got some training in Silver Service by a french waiter, and earned some good money, and some handsome tips, and got to travel a bit attending big sporting functions.
And had quite a few "perks" along the way. Its a good way to meet new people pick up new skills, and get a change of scenary.

Good luck with your journey, you sound well grounded and intelligent.

Although many people do it, I really don't think that you should be encouraging a vulnerable 16 year old to commit benefit fraud! When you're in Whotton's situation it's important to do things by the book as the consequences could be devastating for him.

hm71_2

well done wooten- I think you are allowed to earn a small amount while on IS & I know in my area a referee can get around £20 a game, the courses are not very expensive but I know having recently filled out a form for hubby that there was a section asking if we recieve benefit as we may be legible for a remitance. I know £20 a week isn't much but every little helps. perhaps get onto your local county FA. if not holidays are coming so look for places who do kids activity clubs they may be able to offer you a small amount of work- but you will have to be CRB checked. Good luck.

William29

Hi,

I'm in practically an identical situation except for the fact LHA isn't enough to get my own flat!!! So I have to houseshare!

I'm presuming you're still at college or school? If so, make sure you claim EMA at £30 a week plus your bonus'.

I've heard that if your on IS in full time ed, then an investigator may follow you to school on a few weekday morning.

If your gonna get a job, make sure its evenings or weekends only and paid cash in hand.

It seems silly that you get the same amount amount of money for working 10 hours at £5ph every week as you would for just sitting on your ar*se!!

Oldernotwiser

William29 wrote: »

If your gonna get a job, make sure its evenings or weekends only and paid cash in hand.

See my post above. You're encouraging someone to commit a criminal offence. Neither you nor Whotton want to start your lives with a criminal record!! THIS IS IMPORTANT!!

dmg24

Hope you don't mind whotton but I have nominated you for post of the month.

Your story, and your efforts to get on with things and improve yourself, really do make for inspirational reading.

On a more personal note, it is lovely to meet a younger person with such good manners! x

Deep_In_Debt

I agree with dmg24- wish my kid was like you!
I really do wish you the best of luck.
Do keep posting and let us know how you are getting on.

whotton_2

well thanks again for these supportive comments..
and i agree football referee'ing does sound right up my street, ive done a bit of ref'ing in the past during my last year of school.. it was part of a unit we did for the btec first in sports.. it was rugby but still it all counts towards the same goal..
so that is definatly i will look into..
and yes i must admit even my confidence is starting to rise, with me and my mother now on speaking terms it seems i can start focusing more energy on my future prospects and hope fully my future career within the sports industry.. i recently beek looking into physiotherapy and must say it does appeal alot, however a job like that will need good grades therefore im still awaiting my GCSE results and hoping :D:D


thanks again x

skylight

Whotton - just to be nosy (!) you will let us know what you decide and your GCSE results won't you??

terryw

I live in the same area as you and just a few really practical local tips for you.

Use the Greggs seconds shop at the top of Westgate Hill.......really superb bargains on a very wide range of Greggs products. The reduced food in Safeways at Benwell is reduced again at 7.00 in the evening.......food with that day's date on is almost given away.

I know that the workingmen's clubs in the area are often short of glass-collectors and you do not have to be 18. The pay is quite good and it might well help out your social life as well.

Make use of the libraries in the area, read the tenants' association stuff through the letterbox for moneysaving ideas and enjoy all of the free museums in the city.

DO NOT under any circumstances do any fiddle fraud...in this area you WILL be found out and a criminal record etc is a very bad start in life.

bw

terryw

DdraigGoch

Well done, Whotton. It's lovely to hear such determination and from one so young even more so. I must say that I agree with Oldernotwiser and terryw re the "cash in hand" jobs. No matter how much you might want to, breaking the law just isn't worth it. If you ever want to work with children or vulnerable people your CRB checks will turn it all up, and if you're in an interview/competition situation, the one without black marks is more likely to get the job, all things being equal.

Very best of luck and I do hope that you will continue to update us with your progress. Well done again.