Are other full-time working families finding there is nothing left?

[fatface001]

Alarm went off at 5:30 this morning, then an hour stood on a packed train into London for the commute. We are a normal family: one child and two full-time jobs. I’ve always enjoyed working and have always worked hard, and I don’t mind that at all — but I do expect that full-time work should still mean there’s something left at the end of the month for a normal life.

But that really doesn’t feel like the case anymore.

There’s nothing left at the end of the month. Everything has been stripped back, all non-essentials have gone, and even basic things around the house are being put off or done ourselves because there isn’t spare money for trades. It’s just constant cutting back.

What’s hard is that we’re both working really long hours and doing everything we’re “supposed” to do, but it still feels like we’re going backwards rather than getting ahead.

When I hear talk about “those with the broadest shoulders” contributing more, I honestly don’t recognise it anymore in real life. It doesn’t feel like anyone in our position has anything left to give — it feels like the pressure is entirely on ordinary working households just to stand still.

I’m not looking for luxuries — just the sense that working still gives you a bit of breathing room. Right now it doesn’t feel like that at all.

Is anyone else feeling the same?

Because every second person is neurodivergent these days. And amongst some groups of people, claiming PIP for wee Danny with autism or adhd is a way of getting money

A contributory benefit.

I think you meant to put that into Google.

That means that at least one (or both) of you are working part time: is the £30k the amount per year after taxes.

Including the housing allowance, child benefit, Scottish poverty payment and all th other random payments / free dinners etc it comes to around £2k a month.

I did, number one reason is ‘broader definition of disability’. I was just trying to ‘teach a man to fish’ or a Labour supporter to think.

We pay league fees on top for the same. Not sure how much his dad covers that, my £50 is for extra academy training. So possibly £100 a month.
Plus boots, shin pads, winter and summer skins, gloves, balls and posts at home. (Although he gets a fair bit of this for presents).

But what to do? Pitches need lights and maintenance, their costs have gone up, you need registration and for coaches to be DBS checked, insurance and first aid covered.

It’s still on the cheaper side of extra activities. For what you get, because, as you say, there is a huge amount of volunteering involved. (Much thanks to all who do that).

Children are expensive. Life is expensive but children are even more than that. But this is why we work surely?

We’ve got one into Warhammer! Football costs are nothing compared to that.

How is wee Danny getting PIP?

Her landlord will be getting the housing allowance.

Yep. DD2 had the option of being London based for her forthcoming graduate role in Finance. But she's super savvy with money and actively opted to move North because she knows she'll get far, far more for her money.

She's on target to buy a 2 bed apartment next year and rent out the second bedroom which will pay most of her mortgage. Everything, food, drink, socialising and transport is much cheaper. Though she will only have a 15 minute commute into the office anyway.

London really, really isn't the only option.

So, you’re entitled to £90 a week for 26 weeks. After years of paying into the system. Meanwhile Sarah who didn’t bother to save or buy a house can claim full UC including housing allowance for as long as she needs

she Is getting the housing allowance to pay her landlord. It’s a benefit to her: not the landlord

rather it’s easier just not to try for work is what you mean . Employment isn’t just via employers what about self employment, wfh etc etc if someone really wants to work they’ll look at all options .

Because his parents know the right things to say to make it sound like he has a disability

What do they say to make him look over 16?

I know. I won’t be claiming it anyway. If I had to do a 35 hour a week job search for £90 a week I’d have been as well staying at work for 6 months and getting £700!

I think we know the benefit PP is referring to.

It's amazing how pp claims to know how it works when they don't seem to know the difference between PIP and DLA.

What do you mean? Under 16s get DLA/PIP.

Sorry, I misunderstood.

Under 16s get DLA. PIP is for 16+.

Yes, sorry.

Shameless.

I‘m shameless for not claiming a benefit?

i don’t know the ins and outs as I don’t claim the benefit: but I do know plenty of people who do! Family members who are fit and healthy but have barely ever worked.