uk benifits?
Apr 16th 2012, 6:26 am
#33
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Joined: Dec 2009
Location: Leicester UK
Posts: 793
Re: uk benifits?
I still can't work out how you get UK housing benefits when you own a house in the US. Even by signing it over for nothing, you would be depriving yourself of your assets and therefore be entitled to £0 of any UK welfare payments, as you would be deemed as still having that money (even if you never received it).
When the benefit form asked something like, have you ever owned a property in the UK or abroad, what did you answer?
When the benefit form asked something like, have you ever owned a property in the UK or abroad, what did you answer?
Apr 16th 2012, 7:09 am
#34
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 317
Re: uk benifits?
It is also illegal under age discrimination laws and you could create a right stink if you wanted. But again that type of employer is not worth the effort.
You can most certainly do better
Someone has already posted a link but Direct Gov is your source for all things work, benefit, related
Last edited by tee1; Apr 16th 2012 at 7:11 am.
Apr 16th 2012, 8:52 am
#35
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Joined: Sep 2010
Location: Dorset England.
Posts: 676
Re: uk benifits?
My husband already secured full time work at the age of 53 (after 2 weeks back in the UK), he works 40+ hrs a week.
The proposals are such ,that when our little girl reaches 5 *I* must also work outside the home for 20 hrs (ALSO) to still receive the 'top -up' benefits families get if they are on a low wage.
In an area like this, most work is min-wage ...its vital for most ordinary families to be able to make ends meet. On paper ,it appears ever so simple for me to get a job for 20 hrs , the reality is so different.
Why the hell should I be forced out to work too? I work bloody hard in the home ...I need to be there when my children come home, as my DH works shifts.
I could write about this all day, I'll stop now... before I explode
Apr 16th 2012, 8:58 am
#36
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Joined: Sep 2010
Location: Dorset England.
Posts: 676
Re: uk benifits?
I still can't work out how you get UK housing benefits when you own a house in the US. Even by signing it over for nothing, you would be depriving yourself of your assets and therefore be entitled to £0 of any UK welfare payments, as you would be deemed as still having that money (even if you never received it).
When the benefit form asked something like, have you ever owned a property in the UK or abroad, what did you answer?
When the benefit form asked something like, have you ever owned a property in the UK or abroad, what did you answer?
It asks if you *still* own property.
Poor charleygirl has been through hell recently, all you seem to do, is look for ways to upset people and make them feel low.
A bit like gloating IMO.
There will always be those that abuse the system in the UK, I don't think most ex-pats do though.They have a right to come home and start over!
Apr 16th 2012, 12:31 pm
#37
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Joined: Dec 2009
Location: Leicester UK
Posts: 793
Re: uk benifits?
Aw thanks gaby and the others for support. Wish I did own a home, life would be so much easier.
Good luck with your move Gaby, do you have a date yet? Great hubby got a job lined up!
Good luck with your move Gaby, do you have a date yet? Great hubby got a job lined up!
Apr 16th 2012, 12:51 pm
#38
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Joined: Sep 2010
Location: Dorset England.
Posts: 676
Re: uk benifits?
We have been back about 6 wks now...I've been a bit lazy with posting though
I really hope you find something soon, it was very brave of you to come home -the very best of luck to you!
Apr 16th 2012, 2:20 pm
#39
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,848
Re: uk benifits?
These websites may be helpful:
http://www.womensaid.org.uk (especially their "Survivors Handbook" section which has sections on 'Money Issues' and 'Housing')
http://www.refuge.org.uk
Wishing you all the best
Apr 16th 2012, 2:50 pm
#40
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,848
Re: uk benifits?
You are implying that, because you would only be about 10 pound a week better off by working and having to pay to get to your place of work, you would prefer to remain on benefits.
This is both a sad indictment of the state of the UK, and of yourself.
By taking a job, no matter how small an increase over benefits, you at least have the chance of improving your lot in life. On benefits - no chance at all.
This is both a sad indictment of the state of the UK, and of yourself.
By taking a job, no matter how small an increase over benefits, you at least have the chance of improving your lot in life. On benefits - no chance at all.
It costs money to actually get to the workplace (unless one is lucky enough to get a local job and can walk, ride a bike or a travel on short bus journey to the workplace) and the need to buy suitable clothes for work. My daughter's train fare to get to work is 120 pounds each month, plus the cost of childcare for her baby
I can understand that taking a minimum wage job is do-able for a young person living with his/her parents and who has no family responsibilities....but when one is at risk of being unable to pay the rent - and therefore possibly losing ones home - by taking a low-wage job because the subsidies would be greatly reduced or eliminated, (indeed they are a huge 'comfort blanket') then it's understandable why someone would baulk at applying for a low-wage job.
I used to work at what used to be called the ESJ (Employment Service Jobcentre) and left to move overseas more than 17 years ago. I'm shocked that the 'disregard' before penny for penny is taken off earnings, is still so low
Apr 16th 2012, 3:06 pm
#41
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,848
Re: uk benifits?
Gosh....that's great for your self-esteem, eh! Something dreadfully wrong with the system here in the UK.
When OH and I returned to the UK nearly 4 years ago we were fast approaching 60; within 3 weeks we'd secured temporary work through an agency....not a great wage but better than the demoralising process of applying for benefits. In fact the thought never crossed our minds. Within 7 weeks of our return we had secured the permanent jobs we are both still working at. We are both in our 60's and intend to work for as long as we are physically and mentally able.
Benefits? No way! Okay, I'll put my soapbox away now....one that I piad for, by the way, out of my own wage.
When OH and I returned to the UK nearly 4 years ago we were fast approaching 60; within 3 weeks we'd secured temporary work through an agency....not a great wage but better than the demoralising process of applying for benefits. In fact the thought never crossed our minds. Within 7 weeks of our return we had secured the permanent jobs we are both still working at. We are both in our 60's and intend to work for as long as we are physically and mentally able.
Benefits? No way! Okay, I'll put my soapbox away now....one that I piad for, by the way, out of my own wage.
You seem to be very smug and high-minded. Not everyone is fortunate to be able to secure a job so soon after moving back to the UK. The job market was very different 4 years ago when you moved back, compared to what it is today.
At least the UK has a safety net. In New Jersey (where I live) one can claim unemployment benefits for a maximum of 99 weeks (it used to be for a max of one year until the 2008 recession caused many more long-term unemployment). After the 99 weeks are up, then there is no govt. help whatsoever, although families may apply for food stamps and are expected to go to the charity 'food banks'. There are people living in tents in NJ because they have lost their homes due to unemployment
Apr 16th 2012, 3:08 pm
#42
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Joined: Dec 2009
Location: Leicester UK
Posts: 793
Re: uk benifits?
I am 300 pounds a month short on what I need to pay my rent and utilities, I had a small lump sum from my divorce but only have about 3 months money left... not sure what will happen then. To work for 100 pounds a week and only have 10 pounds left to pay for bus fare which is 3.50 return to town each day... would not improve my life at all.
One of these days I will sit and count how many jobs I have applied for... my Job Seeker advisor told me on Thursday that I am lucky in some ways, because I have had 2 interviews and one phone call.. many of the folks on his lists have been unemployed over a year and never even gotten a reply
englishmum, thanks, seems like you are in the real world...
One of these days I will sit and count how many jobs I have applied for... my Job Seeker advisor told me on Thursday that I am lucky in some ways, because I have had 2 interviews and one phone call.. many of the folks on his lists have been unemployed over a year and never even gotten a reply
englishmum, thanks, seems like you are in the real world...
Apr 16th 2012, 4:20 pm
#43
Banned
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,830
Re: uk benifits?
I am 300 pounds a month short on what I need to pay my rent and utilities, I had a small lump sum from my divorce but only have about 3 months money left... not sure what will happen then. To work for 100 pounds a week and only have 10 pounds left to pay for bus fare which is 3.50 return to town each day... would not improve my life at all.
One of these days I will sit and count how many jobs I have applied for... my Job Seeker advisor told me on Thursday that I am lucky in some ways, because I have had 2 interviews and one phone call.. many of the folks on his lists have been unemployed over a year and never even gotten a reply
englishmum, thanks, seems like you are in the real world...
One of these days I will sit and count how many jobs I have applied for... my Job Seeker advisor told me on Thursday that I am lucky in some ways, because I have had 2 interviews and one phone call.. many of the folks on his lists have been unemployed over a year and never even gotten a reply
englishmum, thanks, seems like you are in the real world...
I'm sorry you're having a tough go of it.Keep plugging away and continue to make the effort.Nothing stays the same as my dear mother used to say.Something good will eventually happen.Keep your chin up
Apr 17th 2012, 12:10 pm
#44
itchy feet again!
Joined: Sep 2007
Location: Ex-Canada: now rural West Sussex.
Posts: 1,013
Re: uk benifits?
Wow how rude.
And yes I am saying why be out of pocket to work, well I cant and thats it.
Anyway if only I had been offered a job at 100 a week, I was only trying to explain the benefit system using some round numbers for the OP who was asking.
Jaybird well done on securing jobs, the situation for someone of my age in Leicester is dire. I am 60. The last job I applied for ( a housekeeper)had 38 applicants... I did get a phone call in reply but when asked how old i am the tone of the callers voice changed, never heard again. I suppose I am classed as unskilled and feel on the scrap heap.
And yes I am saying why be out of pocket to work, well I cant and thats it.
Anyway if only I had been offered a job at 100 a week, I was only trying to explain the benefit system using some round numbers for the OP who was asking.
Jaybird well done on securing jobs, the situation for someone of my age in Leicester is dire. I am 60. The last job I applied for ( a housekeeper)had 38 applicants... I did get a phone call in reply but when asked how old i am the tone of the callers voice changed, never heard again. I suppose I am classed as unskilled and feel on the scrap heap.
I hope you find work soon before yur self-esteem dies completely
Apr 17th 2012, 12:18 pm
#45
itchy feet again!
Joined: Sep 2007
Location: Ex-Canada: now rural West Sussex.
Posts: 1,013
Re: uk benifits?
Well, Bully for you!
You seem to be very smug and high-minded. Not everyone is fortunate to be able to secure a job so soon after moving back to the UK. The job market was very different 4 years ago when you moved back, compared to what it is today.
At least the UK has a safety net. In New Jersey (where I live) one can claim unemployment benefits for a maximum of 99 weeks (it used to be for a max of one year until the 2008 recession caused many more long-term unemployment). After the 99 weeks are up, then there is no govt. help whatsoever, although families may apply for food stamps and are expected to go to the charity 'food banks'. There are people living in tents in NJ because they have lost their homes due to unemployment
You seem to be very smug and high-minded. Not everyone is fortunate to be able to secure a job so soon after moving back to the UK. The job market was very different 4 years ago when you moved back, compared to what it is today.
At least the UK has a safety net. In New Jersey (where I live) one can claim unemployment benefits for a maximum of 99 weeks (it used to be for a max of one year until the 2008 recession caused many more long-term unemployment). After the 99 weeks are up, then there is no govt. help whatsoever, although families may apply for food stamps and are expected to go to the charity 'food banks'. There are people living in tents in NJ because they have lost their homes due to unemployment
Nobody is ever going to beat a path to your door offering you employment (or anything else in this life)....you have to go out there and meet it at least halfway.