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Hello Forumites! However well-intentioned, for the safety of other users we ask that you refrain from seeking or offering medical advice. This includes recommendations for medicines, procedures or over-the-counter remedies. Posts or threads found to be in breach of this rule will be removed.Lone living = discounts etc
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ska_lover
Posts: 3,773 Forumite
Hi there
I am currently helping a relative to move into a flat - it is her first time living alone, and she is on benefits through ill health
Looking for ideas on how she can save money
So far I have come across:
Does anyone else know of any single living discounts, a lady in this position could benefit from?
Many thanks
I am currently helping a relative to move into a flat - it is her first time living alone, and she is on benefits through ill health
Looking for ideas on how she can save money
So far I have come across:
- Possible 25% council tax discount
- Possible 'warm homes' discount, through gas or elec company
Does anyone else know of any single living discounts, a lady in this position could benefit from?
Many thanks
The opposite of what you know...is also true
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Comments
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It will depend on what type of benefits, and whereabouts they are living, there is a scheme called Watersure, which can help with water costs. I'm not sure if this is available all over country though.0
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If over 75, free TV licence.
Single bedding sets are cheaper than doubles (but usually only come with one pillowcase).
She won't need so much crockery?
I don't think there are many discounts for singletons, hence the saying 'two can live as cheaply as one'.A kind word lasts a minute, a skelped erse is sair for a day.0 -
I!!!8217;ve been single for nearly 14 years and have only ever found the council tax discount.0
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Worth investigating a water meter. Some flats can't have one but in that case one cane be deemed to have one. In my case that nearly halved my water bill.0
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as above I have been widowed for just over 15 years and apart from the reduction in council tax and my water meter (which definitely saved me cash ) I can't think of any other discounts at all. Less food to buy I guess ,but the rest of the utilities cost the same
JackieO x0 -
Agreed - I've always been single - and have been so now for decades.
What I get is paying 75% of the Council Tax bill (as opposed to the 50% I'd be responsible for as "half of a couple") and that is it.
That's all we get - ie being charged half as much CT again as we would if we were in a couple.
Agreed to make sure there is a water meter - and there should be water savings.
Basically - we are currently still expected to pay darn nearly as much for our bills as a couple do between them - even though I read that there are 7 million of us.
Realistically - all she can do is shop around re who her suppliers will be for fuel, broadband/phone, insurance (though none of them will give single discounts either - but at least she will have made sure the bills are as low as possible).0 -
I am a single person, on disability....
The actual benefits your relative will get will, of course, depend on her specific disabilities...make sure she gets advice to ensure she is claims everything to which she is entitled. (There is, for example, a severe disability premium if she fits the conditions which is added to ESA...but not if she is on UC)
Charity shops are a good place to get some basics...I remember I got a decent set of crockery form a charity shop -...some charity shops also sell small electrical goods....and they are terrific places for picking up a few bits and bobs to make a new flat/house seem more like a home...a vase or two on the windowsill, a picture on the wall, a pretty photoframe, it really makes a difference!
I would seriously advise getting a slowcooker...minimal cooking skill needed, and they really pay for themselves...especially if you have a freezer!...I can cook four portions of curry and freeze three....home cooking is generally speaker cheaper than ready meals (and tastier!)0 -
If she is on benefits she should claim council tax reduction.0
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What I get is paying 75% of the Council Tax bill (as opposed to the 50% I'd be responsible for as "half of a couple") and that is it.I no longer work in Council Tax Recovery but instead work as a specialist Council Tax paralegal assisting landlords and Council Tax payers with council tax disputes and valuation tribunals. My views are my own reading of the law and you should always check with the local authority in question.0
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I!!!8217;ve been single for nearly 14 years and have only ever found the council tax discount.as above I have been widowed for just over 15 yearsmoneyistooshorttomention wrote: »Agreed - I've always been single - and have been so now for decades.Value-for-money-for-me-puhleeze!
"No man is worth, crawling on the earth"- adapted from Bob Crewe and Bob Gaudio
Hope is not a strategy ...A child is for life, not just 18 years....Don't get me started on the NHS, because you won't win...I love chaz-ing!0
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