If it rains, it pours…

[Catthew]

Please be kind, but over two months ago I was dismissed from my job for (mostly) disability-related absences. I have £200 of my Emergency Fund left now. I’ve also been job hunting ever since, whilst going through the tribunal process to claim disability discrimination and unfair dismissal.

Then, last night two bricks fell into our house, through the chimney. Our house is a Victorian property, so I doubt we’ll be able to claim through our insurance as it’s likely due to the age of the property.

We can’t afford repair works ourselves, so we’ll be contacting our home insurance providers - just in case.

It’s just one thing after the other at the moment. Any advice or warm words would be greatly appreciated.😔

That’s absolutely shit! Sorry you’re going through all of that. 😔

I just reminded myself that I need to chase up my PIP and New Style ESA claims too!

Take every day at a time, don’t think too far ahead, and take ANY job you can to just get you through this rough patch. Any job.

That’s the plan, @hamstersarse. Thank you!

We have an appointment with a chimney sweep for tomorrow. He carries out repairs, so hopefully he’ll be able to resolve the issue! Even if it’s a temporary measure until we can afford any (possible) major works…

I would check with your insurance company to see if the damage is covered under your policy.

Don't just assume that the age of the property makes it ineligible for insurance - you will have had to declare the property age when you took out the insurance, so the insurance company will know that information when you ring them.

More's to the point, does the policy treat the issue of the brick falling into the chimney as 'accidental damage' and is that circumstance covered in the terms of the policy.

If your house is Victorian and in a conservation area you might be entitled to a government grant to improve your house.

Just sending a little support your way. Have you a shoulder to lean on?
Take care now
💐

It’s only covered due to storms etc. I believe

Yes, I do. My partner has been brilliant. Thank you x

The chimney is swept! Our chimney sweeper said it’s in good nick for the age of the property and our issue was a very common one.

Apparently, It won’t need re-pointing for at least another 5-10 years. It just needed a very good sweep because it clearly hadn’t been done for many decades prior.

I was very quick to point out that we had only moved in a year ago! I feel so much better now 🙈