I started by checking out with Age UK and in one or two other places what my entitlements are and each time before I left I always remembered to ask whoever I was speaking to: ‘Is there anything else I’m entitled to?’ It helped me to find ‘allies’, people in charities, agencies, council departments, charity shops, the food bank and the local library who responded in a sometimes surprisingly helpful way to my questions and my worries. I realised early on it paid to approach people in a hopeful and polite way and always to thank them even if they were not able to help this time. At the very least I was able to pick up some useful leaflets.
At home I got a sheet of paper and wrote down in one column my income – my pension and pension credit amounts and my winter fuel allowance – then next to it I made an expenditure column and I started with my social housing rent and council tax, medicine and travel, I could fortunately write £0 as they are already paid for – in the case of travel via my bus pass. Underneath I listed the utilities: electric, gas, water etc and approximate costs. Under that I wrote down my budget for food and essential toiletries because having a roof over my head, being able to stay warm, not going hungry and staying fresh and clean are my big priorities.
My health is certainly worth looking after so I made a guess at how much to set aside if I needed an eye test and new glasses or a filling. I found that as I’m over the age of 60 I am entitled to a free eye examination through the NHS, usually every 2 years. I think if you’re on certain qualifying benefits, you can get a voucher towards the cost of your glasses. You can ask your optician about this. I also found through Age UK that if you’re on certain benefits you can receive free NHS treatment and may also be eligible for help through the NHS low income scheme. I had to make a few adjustments but when I totted up all the figures, I found I had some money left over... not much, but enough to buy a few other things like clothes!
To make ends meet, particularly when it comes to food and clothes. I have got used to shopping at discount food stores and charity shops and I’ve become pretty good at picking up bargains. I like bargains! I’m lucky because I’ve been able to get an allotment and I like socialising with others there. It’s good for exercise too which helps my mood! I also have fruit and can make my own jam and chutneys and give some away as gifts to friends and family for birthdays and Christmas. If I wasn’t able to get an allotment what I’d do is just ask around.
I don’t have much money but I still manage to save a little for treats! 🙂
Though I often wake up in the morning feeling peaceful and grateful that I’m alive to enjoy another day, there are times when I feel down. It’s good to remember sometimes when I’m feeling down, that these heavy feelings do always seem to pass.