I cant believe it

[Mum2Romone]

I just need to vent about my current financial situation, I dont want to rant, or complain about the government , though I wish the system was fairer for people in my current circumstances.

I am a SAHM but it was not necesserily by choice though I do love it.
DH although works for short periods, cannot look after DS fulltime as he is usually sick, and was on Disability payments ...

I was on parenting payments but this changed when DH was hospitalised for two months over a year ago. I became his carer...

Life has never been cosy , on centrelink but we make sensible choices and until recently I cant say money has worried us too much, (like I said DH was working when he could and earns good money)

Well we are seperated atm, at first by choice by now for other reasons i wont go into

I was paid today by centrelink
I just paid the bills.. Rent for the fortnight, $50 off my energy bill so they wont cut me off, and DS preschool fees for only one day a week. ( With no family around I need the time for appointments and until recently the dentist etc..)

Now I have $300 for the whole fortnight. How are we supposed to get through on that?
Since I am no longer DH carer I am getting single parenting payment... which is over $150 less than carer payment and I now obviously dont have our combined income only miine....

When I called centrelink to enquire about what I could get by myself, they said the same amount, no change... ( except of course minus DH income)
But low and behold the last few fortnights over $150 less

How is that right?
How does a carer of a disabled or sick person get more than a SINGLE mother trying to pay for everything alone. (ESpecially since most carers also live with their "patients" they get the combined income of disability and carers.... its the same bloody circumstances !!!!

Any ideas on how to spend the rest of my money?
I need to pay my telstra bill but im scared ill have nothing left and i need to budget for the next 14 days....
Petrol is about $40 a week and thats not going out unnecesserily or anything and I have already bought nappies .... though Im hoping DS will be out of them super soon

GRRRR and being pregnant makes me want to eat so much more but i cant even do that....

[UsPlus2]

Oh hun that sucks, I'm on my phone but will come back when I get home. Just wanted tbo suggest looking up simple savers.

[~Lashes~]

with your bills you can call them, explain that times are tough, and request a payment plan? i had a huge water bill that i couldnt pay, and they gave me a payment plan of about 30$ every 2 weeks, wich cover current use and a bit towards the debt. same is happening with my power and gas, tho the payments will be redused soon as im almost out of the debt with them.
also you could try find crisis relife in your area like st vinnies, salvation army or the local community house? there are places that can help, you just need to know were to look and not be afraid to ask.

hth.

[Gigi]

sounds like a hard adjustment to make, best of luck getting used to the new circumstances. You've had so much upset in the last few months especially, i hope things calm down for you soon.