I am completely lost. No money what so ever (and today was pay day!)

MeandtheLilUn · 26 October 2009 at 1:13PM

Hi,

I'm scared to death and have no idea how I'm going to cope. Right now I need a place to vent... so here goes...

I'm a single mum, who works full time to try and make ends meet, as I can't do any more. I get no help from DDs father, (after numerous attempts at trying to get him to - each time I've asked, he's quit his job!)

I've been letting things get on top of me, and because I've been in such a state my debts now total 10k.

This, teamed with numerous other things, has led me to severe depression (almost on the verge of suicide... but thats NOT an option!) and because of this my GP has signed me off sick from work - work being another burden that I couldn't handle, so I'm using the 'break' to try and come up with a way to help myself to a better life - I think I'll be able to cope with work if I didn't have so many other things on my plate.

I've now been off for 10 weeks, on strong antidepressants for 6 of those, and was starting to come to terms with things, and get things sorted (1st port of call was to contact CSA now DDs father has a new job). I barley coped last month due to a reduction in wages by approx. £200, only to check my wages this month and find that I've only been paid £400!! Yes, I'm off sick, but I was also assured by my HR department that my wages wouldn't be affected as long as I had a sick note from my GP (which they have had as soon as I've been given them!) which meant that I was to get my full wage (£1022). Now I don't have enough money to pay my rent, let alone any of my other bills. The cupboards are running low, as I intended on doing a proper shop with this wage, and I have no idea how i'm meant to provide for my little girl, let alone myself. I already buy the cheapest things in the supermarket (with the exception of a few things) so unless I buy nothing, my grocery bill won't be changed.

I have nowhere to turn. I've tried speaking to family, but they can't help (not that expect them to bail me out).

Right... now I've had a little ramble I'm off to search the net for any possible help I may be able to get. Fingers crossed.

If anyone who reads this knows of something I may have missed PLEASE let me know. I really am at my wits end!!

Thank you

Me x

dancingfairy · 26 October 2009 at 1:19PM

Hi - I think you need to speak to your work and find out what's going on with the wages if they told you one thing and did something else

Also have you tried applying for a crisis loan fromthe jobcentre - I thinkI have read you can get one even if you are not on benefits at the moment?
Food wise - do you have any vouchers lying about? maybe the CAB can point you in the direction of a church /emergency food supply for you?
Have you any family you can borrow off - even a small amount to get some food in would probably help?
df

lmclean100 · 26 October 2009 at 1:23PM

Hi

Really sorry about your situation. Didn't want to read and run.

I'm certainly no expert about these things but could you get a crisis loan from Social Security. I'm not positive, there seems to be different rules in Scotland and England/Wales but my friend was diagnosed with severe depression and was awarded DLA, it's not much but every little helps. As I say I'm not sure how long you have to be ill for before you can claim, but your Citizens Advise would be able to help.

Are you claiming statutory sickness benefit? Might be an idea to check on the benefits web page to make sure that you are getting everything you're entitled too.

L

Toto · 26 October 2009 at 1:28PM

Hi

I would first of all speak to work and find out what's going on there, they should have told you what they were going to pay you. Do you have a contract? You should have all of the info regarding sickness payment on there.

I would also check www.entitledto.co.uk to make sure you are getting all of the benefits you are entitled to. On the money you are on I would have thought you would get housing and council tax benefit and tax credits. I really don't know much about sickness benefits but I do know there is money available.

Tixy · 26 October 2009 at 1:29PM

Hi and sorry you are having such a tough time

Have you spoken to your HR/payroll department and asked why they have not given you the full wage? If they are won't pat you more and the previous info from HR was wrong could you ask them for an advance/loan to help tie you over?
You could also look if you are entitled to a crisis loan?
If you have dds that are going to bounce then I'd suggest you cancel them (no point paying extra in charges).

Who do you need to pay this month? Rent and what else?
Don't pay your unsecured creditors (or just pay a token payment of £1 with a token payment letter).
Do you have anything like boots/tesco or nectar points you can use to buy essentials?
Make a list of all you have in your cupboards and pop over to the oldstyle board for really cheap ideas on feeding you and dd on what you already have.
How is your relationship with your landlord? Could you ask if you can pay just 50% of your rent this month and make it up next month.

Do you think you are likely to be able to go back to work soon? If not then see if you are entitled to anymore benefits, extra tax credits etc? council tax benefit.
Are you already getting some tax credits? when do they come into your account?

Look out for vouchers for food items, there is a discount & vouchers board e.g I'm sure I saw something about printing a voucher for a free loaf of bread last week. http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/deals/supermarket-coupons

Do you do any online surveys/reviews? E.g pinecone pay in luncheon vouchers which can be used in all the supermarkets.

Not sure if any of these suggestions will help at all but they are just some immediate thoughts.

Hope you manage to sort something out.

MeandtheLilUn · 26 October 2009 at 1:30PM

Hi,

Thank you all for responding so quickly. I'm just going to look into a crisis loan, and nip down to my local jobcentre plus office (luckily its within walking distance, so I can save on fuel!). I'll have to look into other benefits, although I'm not sure I'll be entitled, as technically I'm employed.

My Nan is going to help me out with some groceries, in return, I have to go to hers to cook dinner (I see that as fair, she always helps me out when she can).

Again, thank you. It gives me a better idea of where to look.

Me x

Reggie256 · 26 October 2009 at 5:03PM

So far as food is concerned, might be worth trying to contact a Salvation Army corps nearby you - they can often provide food parcels for those in need, and I benefited from them once or twice when was going through a rough period.

mummytofour · 26 October 2009 at 7:52PM

Have you checked with the child tax credits? You may be entitled to more money as you now to seem on sickness benefit? In addition child tax are very quick at altering the amout they pay so if they said you were entiled to more they would get you the extra within a few days.

iolanthe07 · 26 October 2009 at 10:30PM

Our local church has a food bank for those in desperate need. They will also help with topping up pre-payment utility meters. It might be worth seeing if one near you has something similar.

Mr_Falling_Star · 26 October 2009 at 10:36PM

Reggie256 wrote: »

So far as food is concerned, might be worth trying to contact a Salvation Army corps nearby you - they can often provide food parcels for those in need, and I benefited from them once or twice when was going through a rough period.

Top idea! The Salvation Army is one of the best organisations going (imho) as they always seem to step in when other are stepping out.

Also if you work for a large organisation sometimes there is a benevolant fund, ask your HR dept. Unions also run them for members, Unisons being especially good, ask your union rep or google their head office

skintbint_2 · 26 October 2009 at 10:58PM

get down to your housing office asap and claim a rent and council tax rebate so you dont have to pay full rent.

I am completely lost. No money what so ever (and today was pay day!)

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