Dec 23 2008
Budget Improvements
One of the most difficult aspects of being a full-time carer - especially one who is, himself, incapacitated for the moment - is that of budgeting. I’ve just recently lost my job due to chronic back pain problems, so my partner and I will be reduced to living on benefits for the moment. And I have to deal with it all since she’s not that good with figures and I’m the computer geek with all the online accounts!
Here in the UK, the benefits system is pretty darned complicated. They’re trying to simplify it, but since everyone is different it’s a huge job. Thankfully, I’ve learnt my way around its twists and turns enough that I can now claim the things to which we are entitled.
Until I actually lose my job in January, I’m allowed Statutory Sick Pay. Since I’m considered sick (in the physical sense!), I am eligible for Incapacity Benefit. On top of that, I’m a carer so can get Income Support and Carer’s Allowance. Add to that my partner’s Disability Living Allowance and mix for ten minutes. Simmer on a low heat until ready, then serve into a bank account.
Still, with the alcohol problem and the fact that we’re smokers, there’s never really enough money around. We have debts coming out of our ears. Our ears and pretty much every other orifice you could think of, come to mention it.
That’s why the arrival of a couple of letters this weekend was, for once, good news. No banks hassling us for once - just notes from both sets of parents with a bit of Christmas money. Ah, reassurance. I was able to go out yesterday and recover my engagement ring from the pawn shop where it had been for a few months. Now that’s a Christmas present!
It looks like we’ll be able to make it through and even have a little left over for my lady to go and buy yet another pair of shoes. Just one, mind you.
Well, maybe two. 
