in thinking that its not fair my friend gets more just cos she's a single mum?

[LuckySalem]

I know there's been a few of these but i'm a little peed off with the system.

My friend is getting loads of help whereas me and DP are having to struggle.

I mentioned to her the other day that we were struggling abit and how did she cope? She went onto explain that she's fine as she gets money from work (same amount as DP) gets CTC, Income Support, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit, Child Benefit. She reckoned her average annual income was around £22k a year. Plus whatever her DD's dad gave her which normally totalles about another £200 a month but she coldn't be exact

Now am I being unreasonable in thinking its unfair. She's only supporting her and her DD.

Me, DP and DD are told we can get no more cos we earn too much He earns £14'500 and we are apparently entitled to £75 CB and £100 CTC a month. So £16'600 altogether.

Am I missing something? Is there things we should be claiming that we're not or is this just normal?

Feel free to tell me to shut the hell up if I am being unreasonable.

Hmm, it's a tricky one isn't it? I can see where they are coming from but it seems a shame that you would have to live in seperate households in order to be better off financially. It's difficult to prove you're NOT in a relationship - I would have thought they would have to provide proof that you ARE. I assume you'd rather things stay as they are than disrupt your living arrangements? I imagine it's beneficial to your son to have you both in the same house especially as you say you are best friends. It's not very fair but then life isn't fair. You just have to weigh up what's more important and what woks best for you.

Maybe we shouldn't be blaming the benefits system but the tax system??

Vixma - have you taken it to an independent tribunal? IME the Jobcentre/benefits agencies will always deny an appeal, for obvious reasons. I was living with my ex-P's family (years ago, pre-kids) and the BA said i couldn't claim JSA as we were living as part of a couple.

You can claim that you are either gay or a Christian, and they'll back off, but that would be lying and therefore wrong.

well I have a brand new computer, complete with flat screen, scanner/printer/copier, - which I got when I was a single parent.

I'm sure from the outside people must think I'm loaded - actually the whole set-up was a gift!!

I also have lots of Next, a few Oilily and a couple of Tommty Hilfiger clothes for DS3........

But they were given to me 2nd hand!