Crisis Loan Help

whiteythomson

So I've been out of work for about 13 weeks but thankfully have now secured a good new job.

Unfortunately this job happens to be pretty far away from where I live currently so I have had to move to accommodate the job. Having managed to convince my landlord to include the deposit in my first 6 months rent rather than pay a huge sum up front (aside from first months rent) I am left with pretty much no cash for a month.

The people at the JobCentre suggested trying to apply for an alignment to wages loan however when I call the number I get through to the crisis loan people for either buying for the home or living expenses.

My problem is that I am going to have to buy a fair amount of stuff for the home (duvets, sheets, utensils etc...) not to mention food and fuel for the first month. So which one do I apply to???

I also read somewhere that the living expenses crisis loan will only give a maximum of 75% of your JSA amount which I don't think will even cover my fuel for moving let alone getting to work the rest of the month.

Any help would be much appreciated!

Hobo17

Not really the answer to the question you asked, but I'd recommend Freecycle to try and get some of the bits and pieces you need to set up your new home. (Not sure I would want to have someone else's used sheets but lots of people offer kitchen stuff etc ).

Also does this help you at all? Not sure if you were claiming benefits before you got this job.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Employedorlookingforwork/DG_10013908

tod123

Could your family help?

whiteythomson

I'll definitely check our freecycle and see what's available!

Regarding the link, I wasn't claiming housing benefits as I was living with a friend so I can't get that extended, nor can I claim the grant as I haven't been out of work for 26 weeks.

Also I got the first months rent of my parents and they can't afford to give any more...

tcr_3

Think you need to speak to your Job Centre adviser asap, they've got (or did have) emergency discretionary funds available to help keep you in work & it may cover help with fuel costs for the first month. You might also have got help via the Adviser's Discretionary Fund but my understanding is that you need to apply for help from ADF before you start work ... perhaps they can clarify that for you.

Like you say, they can offer an alignment to wages C/L to cover daily living expenses. As for items you need for the house, can't see any application for that going anywhere tbh unless there's a serious risk to your health and safety.

The earlier advice is sound. Freecycle, friends/family, charity shops etc. We all had to start somewhere, mate, there's no shame in second hand.

RAS

In addition to freecycle, many parts of the UK operate www.freegle.org.uk instead. bascially both like e-bay except you do not have to pay for thegoods, just collect them.
I would expect you can get bedding, curtains, soft furnishings, kitchen gear and utensils, cleaning stuff and electrical gods on there.

The Trussel Foundation operate food banks and there are others around the country that could help you.

Can you employer give you a small advance at all to cover fuel. If you go over to the Money Saving Old style forum, you will find masses of ways to eat very very cheaply.