Income Drop

dmwors2
dmwors2 Online Community Member Posts: 6 Listener
edited September 21 in Money and bills

Hi all

Am currently on UC LWCRA and due to no longer receive the child element as son refusing to attend college (long story). So income will reduce to £414 UC and £281 a fortnight ESA contributions. Also, pip daily living. Just received text for renewal so not guaranteed as many losing claims and don’t have energy to fight. I have a mortgage of £600 fixed 10 years and Bills total £350 per month. My 20 yr old lives at home and pays £40 per week as on apprenticeship and paying for car insurance can’t give anymore. I am also losing cb and £100 child maintenance. Am worried won’t be able to eat. Any ideas if anyone else been in this situation please.

Comments

  • Kimi87
    Kimi87 Online Community Member Posts: 7,052 Championing
    edited September 21

    If your son is no longer a student then he can claim UC in his own right, and make a financial contribution to the household from his benefit income. He can also take over paying for things such as clothes & phone that you may currently be funding.

    Many families struggle with the transition from dependant children to non dependant adults within the welfare system.

    Looking at budgeting to suit new circumstances, rather than attempting to maintain previous lifestyle is a way forwards.

    You could seek advice to try and reduce your mortgage repayments, see what options are available for bills such as a social broadband tariff.

    https://advicefinder.turn2us.org.uk/

  • dmwors2
    dmwors2 Online Community Member Posts: 6 Listener

    Hi

    Complicated with my son who is 17. Is very recent but he will probably not be returning home as has stormed off and is only 17 so unfortunately this won’t be an option. (Am currently struggling with this, heartbroken and feel been punched in the chest as he’s my youngest and I fear for him) also, Yes I am looking at the rebudget as this could happen if he chose an apprenticeship or work. My mortgage is fixed into 10 years and early repayment charge is £990. Unable to sell and move as already at bottom of property price scale and have to accommodate a £20,000 legal aid charge from divorce/family court so including sols fees etc then I’m stuck. Anyone else been in this position as paying the mortgage and bills will leave with nothing for food or repairs.

  • Rachel_Scope
    Rachel_Scope Posts: 1,857 Scope Online Community Coordinator

    Hi @dmwors2 and welcome to the community.

    It sounds like you're in a difficult situation. Are you getting any support for your mental health? Kimi has given some great advice there. Hopefully there will be other members who can share their personal experiences.

  • Kimi87
    Kimi87 Online Community Member Posts: 7,052 Championing
    edited September 21

    If your son doesn't return home, assuming this frees up a bedroom, would you consider taking in a lodger?

    This won't impact your UC award.

    https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/housing/lodging-and-subletting/lodging-subletting/landlords-of-lodgers/taking-in-a-lodger-what-you-need-to-think-about-first/

  • dmwors2
    dmwors2 Online Community Member Posts: 6 Listener

    Hi, yes Kimi advice is welcomed 🥰. I have no debts due to a bankruptcy during divorce and all outgoings are already at a minimum. Am thinking of cancelling broadband as son has data on his phone. With regard son and mental health have contacted NSPCC, family lives, Samaritans as feel so low but just sign posted back to each other. There really is no support when it’s advertised there is. Feel between a rock and a hard place.

  • dmwors2
    dmwors2 Online Community Member Posts: 6 Listener

    Fab advice but my sons share a bedroom. Thanks for trying to help and throwing advice to me. Am hoping that there is something that I hadn’t thought of may be mentioned.

  • Kimi87
    Kimi87 Online Community Member Posts: 7,052 Championing

    Do you already receive Council Tax Reduction?

    Support given varies from area to area as it is set locally not nationally.

  • dmwors2
    dmwors2 Online Community Member Posts: 6 Listener

    Yes as I’m in receipt of PIP daily living which gives a reduction. Review text arrived last Monday so have that to deal with also and probably won’t due to all other issues and my own health issues so another loss of income.

  • Rachel_Scope
    Rachel_Scope Posts: 1,857 Scope Online Community Coordinator

    @dmwors2 I've sent you an email. Can you look out for it please 😊

  • dmwors2
    dmwors2 Online Community Member Posts: 6 Listener

    Thank you 🙏

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