Although I have a website for my craftwork, I obviously can't advertise it on here. I'd be happy to share some simple gift ideas with you. How confident are you using a sewing machine? Impecunious!

Remember it well --- caught snatches of Birds of a Feather in between crocheting and knitting! :O) Always made me laugh! It's not fun going through all of this is it but we do have CAG. I'm lucky that I can talk to my family and friends about being on benefits - I have no shame! TBH, I've worked for over 43 years, brought up four wonderful, well-balanced, happy, ambitious and successful children single-handedly and this temporary break is really welcome. Shhhh! Don't tell DWP that! I feel as if I'm practising for my retirement. Being practical and "thinking outside the box" helps so much -- it's far too easy with everything being thrown at us, to descend into total despair and frustration. I nod and smile a lot at DWP but am stubborn and will stand up for myself (oh so politely) -- so lots of reading and researching and planning before each visit. I've been a CAG member for years and read posts avidly .. have learnt so very much from everyone-else's experiences and each time I find myself facing a new "issue", I just look it up and take on board all the great advice that's given. It is very empowering. I love being creative, making stuff and recycling old stuff --- love bringing things back to life again ... (except for the ex) and I'm sure I can pass on lots of incredibly practical skills and stuff that will not only save money but will empower people. I've been working as a trustfundraiser in a national charity for the last five years, so used to submitting compelling, emotive applications for funding and would be happy to help people with putting together letters, planning strategies etc. I didn't go to Uni til I was 45 -- had to keep up with the kids when they went - so know that age - whatever the number - is no limitation to learning and being challenged. Even on benefits, I think you can still manage a "quality" of life and have dignity .... and with so few good job opportunities available - and with the economy being so rubbish, there's going to be so many people claiming benefits --- at the moment, that number is 5.9M, according to "Saints and Scroungers" on BBC1 (obviously not all on JSA) - we can't all be condemned to becoming an "underclass". We're worth much more than that. I'm more than happy volunteering for disabled children's charities and supporting them in their fundraising and funder relationship building until I find paid employment. And, I make sure I "earn" the £5 pw that I'm allowed to making and selling small pieces of craftwork whilst claiming JSA. Every little helps. With any luck, the crafting will take off and I tell DWP where to stick their JSA!!!! In the meantime, happy to share with anyone that needs help. Impecunious!

Well done Rae - good things come to those to wait!! Especially good to get such a great result when you've helped so many other people. Impecunious!

Might have to if my claim for Housing Benefit isn't processed in the next week or two!! They've been on the case since 9th December 2012. Is Durham ready for posh old birds?? Impecunious!

Just a thought. Being "unemployed", on JSA and having to navigate the benefits system and DWP etc alone, could be a nightmare for some people - if not all of us at one time or another!! I'd be more than happy to arrange informal but regular get-togethers for people living in Chester where we can share information and experiences, offer practical support and advice. The more heads, the better really. Being unemployed doesn't mean we're on the scrap heap. I'm certainly not. I've recently discovered "Approved Foods" .... perhaps putting together bulk orders, therefore reducing delivery costs, etc could help lots of families to eek out their weekly benefits. I'm also really handy when it comes to recycling and upcycling stuff, hand-making gifts, cards, home cooking, baking, altering and mending clothes to save money. Incredibly practical .. child of the 50s, who crafted through the whole of the 60s and is still doing it now! (It's now my self-employment.) I also have a Hons Degree in English and a zillion years experience being a PA/Secretary, Property Developer, Interior Designer, Charity fundraiser and yawn, yawn, yawn ..... experienced old bird! It's just a fledging idea but I would really like to offer my support to anyone in the area who feels they could benefit from a listening ear, a cup of tea and a natter. I'd love to hear your views. Impecunious!

When you've finished your 2 year sentence, it's probation, electronic tagging and curfews! OOOPs, sorry!! Just being facetious! You probably end up back at the Job Centre, knees bend, arms stretch, rah-rah-rah!! And start all over again! Impecunious! P.S. I'm sure someone will come along soon to help you ...... but I thought I'd try humour first!

There was item on the news the other day about this ............... targetting Uni students and the unemployed - through websites where job-searches post their CVs ... we can't win can't we? Impecunious!

Dyfed - it definitely makes life a bit easier when you can remove yourself from the clutches of DWP and W2W ..... Obviously self-employment isn't for everyone but it wouldn't hurt to perhaps just make a list of all the things you can do and that interest you ........ instead on concentrating on the things you can't do and start small. I re-invent myself regularly, so don't think you have to sustain the same type of job long-term. Be flexible. I hate the saying "Think outside the box" - but try to be open-minded. Look on e-bay .... you'll be surprised what sells. Pick out some of the more unusual ranges - for example, gents/ladies' shoes in VERY LARGE sizes, PETITE sizes - go to factory shops and pick up "seconds" to resell - people love bargains - look at joblots to sell and advertise on free ad sites. If you like history and have knowledge of your local area -- arrange guided walking tours for visitors, holiday-makers - end the tour with lunch or dinner at a local pub/restaurant - negotiate a great deal with the landlord/owner - ask for commission per head for putting additional business their way. Or, you could provide them with picnic style lunches to eat al fresco. If you like light gardening or pottering around, perhaps offer general handyman services. Buy plant "plugs"- pot them up, nurture them and sell on to friends and neighbours. Great time of year to do this. The possibilities are limitless really. Think about what you'd like to do on a small scale before investing in lots of stock or the cost of the website and see how it goes. On JSA, only the first £5.00 of any income I make is disregarded but I think your allowance could be £20/week. Might be worthwhile just asking. Hope this gives you food for thought. Get started on that list!! Good luck! Impecunious!

Yes, how do they justify that and the new bedroom tax that I will have to absorb from my JSA? Then again, if I'm forced to leave my home and live under the arches, the bedroom tax won't apply. Being unemployed means more than just being jobless. Impecunious!

OMG!! I don't think I could ever repay my outstanding graduate student loan on a dishwasher's wage! But I'll keep nodding and smiling when mindlessly interviewed at DWP, even when they ask me if I'd consider going into property development again! DOH!! Don't think my JSA will stretch to buying and renovating property but I'm completely open to suggestion. Reminder to DWP staff to engage brain before opening mouth! It's not even as if I'm actually unemployed. I've been working on setting up my own business for a year now, preparing stock and developing my website (whilst working full-time) and have only been self-employed since December - it just takes time for a small business to start bringing in income. I'm being pro-active -- employing myself because, even though it's not meant to happen, not too many employers seem to be very keen on employing 60 year old women in senior positions. My "adviser" at the JobCentre even advised me to remove my academic qualifications and work experience from my CV in case I "intimidated" any potential employers. They'd soon know I had academic qualifications once I opened my mouth (posh old bird) and when I'd ticked the student loan deduction box. Despite just spending 8 weeks on JSA, I've already been "threatened" with W2W ... I thought that was another 44 weeks down the line ... been asked whether I have "issues with alcohol, drugs or debt" - I was just waiting for them to ask me about my sex life - and told I'm a " very good girl" for producing such an original and detailed job search activity record!! I'm doing all I can to kick-start my own business and, with any luck, once the income starts to come in - I can then walk away from JSA and start employing other people. Applications from "Over 60s" will definitely be given every consideration. P.S. I hate washing up! Rant over for today!! Impecunious!

Thanks for the link. Just had my first delivery from Approved Foods - great stock cupboard and general grocery items, 62 items for just £32.25 (including £5.25 delivery) - saving made = £63.33. Lots of lovely treats too, including Green and Blacks organic chocolate mints, Twix bars, tropical mix, breakfast bars and biccies galore! I'm currently between jobs and my JSA would not normally stretch to include such "luxuries". Delivery takes longer than most online shopping sites but was kept updated on progress by text. Everything was boxed up securely with bubble wrap to protect glass etc. Customer service couldn't have been better. I was even able to re-arrange my delivery date because it clashed with my signing on day. I'd certainly recommend them. Spread the word! Impecunious!

Your liability orders are obviously for council tax arrears, so just treat them as priority arrears. If you're in any doubt about how to calculate your weekly income/expenditure, there's a great example on here or use the National Debtline one. Calculate your I&E and then tell the council how much you can comfortably afford to pay, and start paying the council direct. I had a liability order from xxxxxxxx City Council in the sum of £1,100+ relating to a property I had left 4 yrs previously. I was working full-time, had a good income and told them I would pay £12.50/month until cleared - yes, it will take over 7 yrs to repay and I've never missed a payment to date. (Now I'm unemployed, I've reduced that sum to £1/month without any repercussions). I refused point-blank to deal with Rossendales, despite their escalating threats and I took control. I bypassed the front-line staff at the Council and corresponded with a senior manager. I was able to do all this after reading every related Council Tax/Liability Order thread I could find on this forum!! Knowledge is power. Good luck! Impecunious!

Looks like trying to find a new job and receiving JSA is a minefield and we all receive a different level of service. My jobseekers agreement states that I only have to apply for a specific job in my preferred sector for a period of 3 months, after which I have agreed to extend my search. I was also told that I wouldn't be expected to take a job that didn't match my experience, salary expectations or qualifications. Lucky me! Impecunious!

I had to sign on for the first time yesterday. I was asked for my email address so that they could check Universal Jobmatch, etc. I asked if it was a compulsory requirement - they said NO, so I declined to give them them the information and the staff member made a note on my file. No problem! Once it becomes compulsory, I suppose we'll have to provide our email information but until then ...................... no thanks. Impecunious!

Well, not sure why your activity targets are higher ... I currently have to undertake 6 jobseeking activities a week, although I'm actually doing everything I can but just don't have the energy left to complete the form completely each week. I'm 59 .... perhaps they should just put me out to pasture so that I can crochet all day! (Before anyone starts, that is a joke - of course!!!!!) Can't wait to get back to work. Keep smiling. Impecunious!

What would really be gained by taking you back to court? I should imagine you would have a high level of protected earnings, being a single parent with 3 dependent children. I have an attachment to earnings - currently paying £5/month for a £1,200 debt. (Yes will take years to pay back.) That payment was calculated on earnings of over £19,000 pa - I'm single with no dependants. If I remember correctly, my protected earnings were something like £1,140 pcm (after tax). You're already paying £20.00/month, what more does she want? If you have to do a revised I&E - make sure you do put down costs for taking the family out once a month, and put aside money each month towards the cost of one week's family holiday. Also, allocate some money each month to birthdays, Xmas, etc, and hair cuts! Medicines, school/nursery trips, swimming, etc. All reasonable expenses. It's always really enlightening when you write down ALL your weekly/monthly expenses. There's absolutely no harm in showing that your current expenditure exceeds your income. Mine showed exactly that! Don't forget to list ALL your debts/arrears too (if you have any) ........ she is after all, only a debtor, and a non-priority one at that. Hope this gives you a little encouragement. Impecunious! PS. Be kind to yourself and try not to worry too much. Good luck!

They can't actually charge you a first visit fee and a levy fee. The levy is invalid, so those charges should be removed and replaced with a first visit fee of £24.50. They do try it on, bless them! Impecunious

"The council tax bailiff (Bristow & Sutor) have seized the goods below. Flat screen Tv Sofa Dish Washer Tumble Dryer Microwave 3 Front room units 4 Bedroom units" I would suggest that this levy contains items that are exempt. The 3 front room units that quite possibly store utensils required for preparing, cooking and eating meals: glasswear, china, napkins, tableclothes, cutlery, etc - perhaps packets of dried food, cereals, jars of food (overspill from kitchen) are exempt. Don't they?? Bedroom units are also exempt: they store clothing, etc. Microwave can also be classified as exempt - as your cooker isn't actually working at the moment is it? Tumble-dyer is also exempt: used for the cleaning/maintenance of clothes. Sofa is exempt - it cannot be sold on - because it has no fire-retardant/safety labels, does it? Did they put down the make, size, colour of your flat-screen tv and did they also include tv remote? I would suggest that this levy is therefore irregular/invalid and all associated charges are removed and replaced with a vist charge. Just my opinion. I "store" foodstuff and china in my sitting room units and fill my very expensive leather-hand painted boxes and oriental vases with porridge oats or pasta! Voila! Instant food storage. Sometimes you just have to think outside the box but well within the spirit of the regulations. Impecunious!

My thoughts too!! I've kind of put it on a back burner ....... but one more chance wouldn't hurt. Thanks Impecunious!

Paul Lewis, on BBC Breakfast, advised sending breakdown of any expenses incurred by banking debacle to your branch. They are obligated to return your account to its former position prior to debacle. Any additional costs, penalties, interest, travel expenses related to sorting out probs should be refunded and compensation for missing out on "special occasions" such as pre-arranged weddings, celebrations, holidays, etc. If you don't ask, you won't get. Good Luck! Impecunious!

Although I originally declined their offer for my PPI refund as "derisory", both verbally and in writing, they insisted on sending the cheque and considered the matter closed - that was before Xmas. A close friend, whose day-job is calculating PPI refunds on behalf of Lloyds indicated that Lloyds' offer was approximately £3,000 less than he had calculated. I wrote to the Director dealing with PPI claims and Lloyds Customer Services - 3 times each - with no response to date. Meanwhile, Wescot are still in debt collection mode. Impecunious!

Yes, they are. Lloyds still hasn't dealt with my complaint about my PPI refund. I have offered to pay Wescot a token payment each month but, so far, they have refused to give me their account number to enable me to set up a standing order payment. Impecunious!

In May, I wrote to Wescot asking them to discover whether Lloyds held the three original agreements (outstanding loan account being chased by Wescot) under CPUTR as advised. Lloyds have responded with their usual "blah, blah" about reconstituted agreements being acceptable and if you hadn't signed the original agreement you wouldn't have been given the money BUT no original agreements. I would welcome some advice on my next step. Westcot put their collection on hold pending this dispute but should imagine they'll be coming right back at me. Thanks Impecunious!

Thanks rameses_qc - my thoughts entirely. I'm neither stupid nor naive, so Wescot can go jump! I really just wanted to alert fellow CAGgers to Wescot's underhand tactics to gain personal banking information ... it looks so innocent on paper and, I should imagine, easy to fall for if you're not aware. Impecunious!

Do Wescot think we're completely stupid? Why would they request that a completed standing order form be returned to their office, so they can then forward to your bank? They pre-complete the standing order form with details of their bank, address, sort-code, reference number but then deliberately omit their account number, making it impossible to set up the standing order without returning the completed form to them! Do they really just want ALL our personal banking details? Obviously, I haven't returned the completed standing order form to them and have instead requested they send me their account number by return. I hate the thought of them having my personal banking details or even paying them at all --- BUT, they're collecting on behalf of LloydsTSB - Lloyds won't entertain any correspondence. Sighs!! The S/O is only going to be for a £1/month away. I don't even send S/Os to my bank anymore, I just do it all online. Impecunious!