Going Around in Circles for Financial Help

missmetalhead

I'm wondering if anyone has any ideas what I can do to get any sort of financial support, because everything I've tried so far has just knocked me back.

For instance, I work 14 per week but can't get JSA because I live with my partner who works more than 24 hours a week. Also, because I work less than 16 hours per week, I can't get Working Tax Credits.

I went to my bank (NatWest) who I've been with for 9 years, (and never had an overdraft on that account before) to apply for an overdraft but they said they couldn't even apply for one for me because it would get declined straight away and would look bad on my credit score, but they didn't have a reason they could give me for why I'd be declined.

They said it COULD be a number of things, such as bad credit score (although I've always paid things on time, never had any sort of credit/finance/loan, etc. Either way, I'm getting this checked).

They said it could also be the fact that I have a Student/Graduate account but I graduated in 2010. I asked if it would make any difference if I opened a different bank account and they said it wouldn't.

It could also be because of how little I earn each month, but that's the main reason I want the overdraft in the first place! Because of the little amount I earn I'm not eligible for a credit card or personal loan either.

I'm at the point where I'm having to choose between a £20 weekly food shop OR bus fare to work.

Stuck.

Help please.

grumbler

missmetalhead wrote: »

I'm wondering if anyone has any ideas what I can do to get any sort of financial support, because everything I've tried so far has just knocked me back.

For instance, I work 14 per week but can't get JSA because I live with my partner who works more than 24 hours a week. Also, because I work less than 16 hours per week, I can't get Working Tax Credits.

I think Benefits & Tax Credits board is a much better place to ask about this.
Also see MSE article: 5-min Benefits Check-Up

I went to my bank (NatWest) who I've been with for 9 years, (and never had an overdraft on that account before) to apply for an overdraft but they said they couldn't even apply for one for me because it would get declined straight away and would look bad on my credit score, but they didn't have a reason they could give me for why I'd be declined.

A bank is the last place to ask for a financial help. And I don't see how an overdraft can helpl you. In fact it will make things worse as it will cost you. Your problem is low income and it can't be solved by borrowing money.

missmetalhead

Well yes, I guessed my problem was low income. I'm asking if there's any other sort of help I could get. I thought I'd post here because I wanted to explain the situation with NatWest.

The overdraft was just to see me through until I got the qualification I need and I'd cancel it when I got a higher-paid job and could afford to pay it back because at the moment I can't live on just £340 a month. Half of that I give to my partner for rent, but obviously that doesn't even cover half the rent.

Thanks for the benefits checker. I tried it. Still, neither of us would get anything.

brendon

Overdrafts are for very short term borrowing, usually for a couple of days. No more. You shouldn't plan to sit in an overdraft for months and months. Do you get student loans?

opinions4u

1. Don't borrow. recipe for disaster.

2. Spend less.

3. Increase your hours at work.

4. Have a discussion with your partner about how the household income is divided.

Bloomberg

grumbler wrote: »

I think Benefits & Tax Credits board is a much better place to ask about this.
Also see MSE article: 5-min Benefits Check-Up A bank is the last place to ask for a financial help. And I don't see how an overdraft can helpl you. In fact it will make things worse as it will cost you. Your problem is low income and it can't be solved by borrowing money.

Very true, you cannot borrow your way out of debt any more than you can drink your way out of alcoholism.

jackieblack

opinions4u wrote: »

1. Don't borrow. recipe for disaster.

2. Spend less.

3. Increase your hours at work.

4. Have a discussion with your partner about how the household income is divided.

This ^^^^^^^^^^^^

I would do number 4 first
It sounds like you keep your finances separate, but you are living together as a couple so he will be expected to be supporting you/the household, at least in part. Your income is being assessed as part of a couple (hence why you can't get JSA)