What do you think about people on benefits spending on luxuries?

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Comments

  • Albus_Alumni
    Albus_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 11,423 Championing

    Thanks for sharing @OverlyAnxious I agree the savings cap can lead to a lot of hurt and stress to many disabled people.

    It's also worth noting to everyone that what some see as luxury items, may be actual necessities to others.

  • OverlyAnxious
    OverlyAnxious Online Community Member Posts: 5,862 Championing
    https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/906178#Comment_906178

    Hi Vikki,

    That is what I had intended to use the extra money for. I couldn't afford a more suitable property when I was on ESA and shared-rate housing benefit, as most of the ESA was going on the rent, similar to your situation.

    But once I got the extra income from one-bed housing benefit (along with PIP & SDP) every private property I enquired about was immediately refused due to being on benefits. It turned out that my income was no longer the limiting factor in my housing situation.

    Then I applied to the local housing association, and was accepted with a high band for medical need, however there are so many limitations on my application that there hasn't been anything suitable for me to bid on in nearly 2 years. What I need is a bungalow as I can't safely & reliably manage stairs due to the vertigo (so a stair lift would not work in my situation), but there are so few bungalows in my area, and almost all of them are 2 bedroom, which I'm not allowed to bid on as a single person. [As a side note, I also feel it would not be fair to take a 2 bed bungalow from a family that need it even if I was allowed]

    My daily life would be improved so much by a more suitable property, but it just seems like a complete impossibility now.

    I must admit I've very rarely had the landlord do any maintenance here, as I always found it difficult having people in, and they always seemed to fix one problem and create another, so I'm not sure that I would spend much more on maintenance in an unfurnished property. I can make minor repairs myself. But had set aside a certain amount to cover a few bits of furniture etc ready for a move.

  • Rachel_Scope
    Rachel_Scope Posts: 3,297 Scope Online Community Coordinator

    It's been great to read everyone's perspectives on this. It's a good question and I can totally understand your feeling guilty @littleaspiegirl1993. However, you don't need to feel guilty. We're entitled to the money as we have a disability that limits what we're able to do. The extra money makes things a little easier. Do the hobbies! Get the tattoo! Treat yourself!

    I hope the voluntary job role comes through and that it goes well. What kind of job is it? I have anxiety and depression and I didn't work for a few years as it was just too difficult. I felt the same guilt as you but it's not necessary. It's there for us because we need it.

    Tell us more about the singing! I love to sing too, what kind of music are you in to?

  • littleaspiegirl1993
    littleaspiegirl1993 Online Community Member Posts: 16 Listener

    @vikki66 I'm very sorry if I came across as rude, not at all my intention.

  • Cantilip
    Cantilip Online Community Member Posts: 621 Empowering
    https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/905980#Comment_905980

    I think because all of us here have got common sense we're assuming everyone has! What I mean is I think probably all of us, tax-payers or not, would be OK with people spending whatever they have left over after essentials on whatever gives them a bit of pleasure but would not be impressed by not being able to feed the children or pay the rent because all the money's been spent on things you do not actually need.

  • Catherine21
    Catherine21 Online Community Member Posts: 9,796 Championing

    If you tell pip you have pets they use against you I spend all my money on face creams I've got no impulse control been therapy many times still can't stop before that I used to drink I've actually spent money and not paid bills Mental health is real I don't act like Mary Poppins people to say you think you get to much wait till you start running a house flat you won't be saying that then sounds like you haven't got many responsibilities so like spending money to you

  • Catherine21
    Catherine21 Online Community Member Posts: 9,796 Championing
    https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/906202#Comment_906202

    Spot on

  • littleaspiegirl1993
    littleaspiegirl1993 Online Community Member Posts: 16 Listener

    @vikki66 I hope you can accept my apology for coming off rude. Really not at all my intention.

  • littleaspiegirl1993
    littleaspiegirl1993 Online Community Member Posts: 16 Listener

    @vikki66 no I read your other reply, I just wanted to say again that I hope you can forgive me.

    I'm thinking of joining a gym or martial arts class or something too.

  • littleaspiegirl1993
    littleaspiegirl1993 Online Community Member Posts: 16 Listener

    @vikki66 i've always wanted to be an inspiration to people.

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