Pension Credit/Housing Benefit

[chrissa1]

I have applied fo HB and this being held up because the PC is taking time to come through. Would it be better for me to let the HB go ahead without the PC being taken into consideration or is it better for me to wait? I want to get as much Housing Benefit as I can obviously. Thanks.

[chrissa1]

So are you saying Eddie, that if I am awarded PC then I would get the full HB and that they are waiting to see if I do or not because this would be better for me?

[ubasses]

If you are on Pension Credit and you get the guarantee credit (whether on its own or with the savings credit), you will also automatically get the maximum amount of Housing Benefit. If you get the savings credit only, you may qualify for Housing Benefit but it will depend on your income and savings.

Picked this up from the following site http://www.adviceguid..._housing_benefit.htm.

Hope it helps.

[carmalee]

I seem to remember reading somewhere that HB was being radically overhauled and that new applicants would be assessed differently now that new HB rules and regs have been implemented. Maybe new systems are being put into place hence the hold up. It has always been my understanding that if you are in finacial hardship they will make a plan.

[chrissa1]

I think I'll go down to the office now then and ask for an extension to wait to hear from the PC people. Thanks.

[R1Geezer]

So you want to get as much free money off us that pay taxes do you right oh! Perhaps you could try a radical solution, eg support yourself!

[carmalee]

R1 geezer - can appreciate your way of looking at things - and I subscribe to your way of thinking, however, some people genuinely need help and that is why we have a welfare system - I think the answer lies is rooting out who really needs benefits rather than those who are happy to hitch a ride and not take responsibilty for their lives. There will always be freeloaders who are willing to barter their self respect for a free lunch. How do you know chrissa1 falls into that category?

[R1Geezer]

Perhaps, Carmalee, I'd have more sympathy if they didn't see it as a project: "I want to get as much Housing Benefit as I can obviously".

[carmalee]

Fair comment R1 - let's see the answer to your comment

[Mamyalynne]

I am sure that Chrissa actually meant 'as much HB that I am entitled to'

[youngmafbog]

Maybe, but this sort of ting is all too common nowadays.

According to one Old bill, criminals can no longer be bothered to rob households, its easier to rob the state of benefits.

This is all very well but someone has to pay for it.

How about saving for a rainy day like many of us do.

[carmalee]

mamyalynne - gracious as always xC

[chrissa1]

What on earth do you mean RIGeezer? I have just been widowed in February and also reached the age of 60, both at the same time. This is the first time I have EVER claimed any benefit in my life before. I earned my living as a Teacher in the 70's and then left the profession to have my children. My husband had his own business and paid taxes and NI all his life. When the children were young we paid for their education thus Not using the State Education system. We had our ups and downs in business and when I joined his business, I paid my taxes and NI like you. In the latter years, business was really tough but at NO time did we claim anything from the State, We just sold everything we had that was disposable, (musical instruments, all my jewellery etc). When he died we were just starting to get back on our feet but without him I can't carry on with the business and have lost my only breadwinner.

I Would go back to teaching if there was a) any jobs, and b) if I wasn't 60 years old.

I repeat..... this is the first time I have EVER asked for help from my country and I can assure you, I have paid my taxes into the system when required. All I want, is to be able to live in a house close to my children and have a little bit of money to live on.

I hope my keyboard will recover from this hammering.

[ummmm]

I second what Helen says. R1...shame.

[chrissa1]

Thank you for your support red and ummmm.

[maclarencat]

Sorry for your troubles Chrissa1 I would have thought just reading your question anyone could see that you do not play the system or you would have known what you were entitled to! I hope you manage to sort out your finances nd all is as well as it can be.

[Mamyalynne]

Chrissa, when I posted my response to R1 - I was tempted to tell some of your history but felt it fair that you did that, so glad you have and I hope that indeed an apology is forthcoming.

Take care. ♥

[ttfn]

Chrissa, I think your keyboard would be proud of you, as I am, rightly so. You have come such a long way in the last 6 months or so and I am absolutely delighted to see that you are able to stand up for yourself and get whatever is owed to you ♥
I hope R1G gets exactly the same.

[chrissa1]

Thank you very much for all your kind comments.