Paying board to parent

[lanwanchan]

I need some advice and opinions. I work around 15-25 hours a week at 5 quid an hour, my mum makes me pay her 30 pounds a week for board. I am 17, and feel like i havent got much to live off after all this money going away. I left college after personal problems and im going to a different college in september hopefully. Should my mum be recieving benefits if i am going to college soon? And is my mum over charging me since im only 17, i think its really unfair. Opinions please I need to sort this out im actually getting treated for depression because of all these money worries IM ONLY 17! Which means ive got to be able to afford all these prescriptions and different medication, getting to work. I do all my own house work, washing, ironing, cooking and what not ! its frustrating...

[lanwanchan]

Also she wont let my boyfriend hardly in the house or in my room or him stop over... if i pay for my room and stuff that should be allowed shoudnt it?

[bednobs]

my advice would be to try and find somewhere else you could live and be fed for 30 quid a week and then see how good you've got it. Why should your mum recieve benefits for a grown up daughter who is earning her own wages?

My other advice would e tolook for a full time job, because then you'll have more money and be able to give your mum more than a paltry 30 quid a week.

You yourself may be able to claim free prescriptions if you are on a low income

[bednobs]

meant to say it's an HC1 form you need to fill in re low income and free prescriptions

[barry1010]

You earn at least �75 a week, leaving you at least �40 for yourself. That is not bad at all.
If your mother doesn't want your boyfriend in your bedroom, those are her rules. Even if you are still living at home at 35 she can say the same.
Now is the time to learn to budget your money properly, it will be good training for the future.
By the way, if your mum if a single parent and there are no other adults living in the house, she will lose her 25% discount of council tax when you are 18.
�30 a week seems a good deal to me.

[sophie_1003]

I'm usually on the side of people who have to pay board but this seems fair to me, yes its frustrating if you're bot allowed your boyfriend round but can't you go to his? and what do you need that you can't get each week for �40? When you go to college your prescriptions will be free until you turn 19 by the way.

[Whoever]

I don't think your mum is charging you an unreasonable rate considering the amount you earn and although you think she's being unfair making you do your own cooking, washing and ironing she's actually helping you on your way to independence and learning some very basic but important life skills. It sounds as if your Mum is a single parent. If so, don't forget that she has been supporting you for many years, probably on a very tight budget. Don't you think she's entitled to some financial support from you now you're earning? And although it seems unfair, I think your Mum's rules about your boyfriend are hers to dictate. Perhaps she's worried about him being unreliable. Your mother will have seen a lot more of life than you have and well understands the hazards you could be facing. Be patient. In a year's time you will be 18. When you're legally an adult you will be able to make your own rules, providing of course that you have enough income to be financially independent. Until then, try to negotiate with your Mum and try to understand her point of view and her concerns that you grow up as a young woman understanding the value of money. One day you may be very grateful to her despite your current frustrations.

[lazy daisy]

You couldn't even find a bed sit for �30 a week so stop your moaning.
If you return to college in September to do a Fulltime course them you Mum can claim Family allowance up until you are 19 or leave fulltime education.
PLUS you may be able to claim �30 a week EMA. If you're not sure what that is or how to claim ask at the clooege and they will have all the forms and will explain everything to you.

[lazy daisy]

Oh and as it's your Mums house you will have to obey her rules re letting your boyfriend sleep over.