help needed .....penniless advice plzzzzz

danz09x

I have posted this here and have no idea if this is the right place? My problem is having lost my job three weeks ago im now struggling so much to afford anything. I have just run out of electric and only have a bag of potatoes to feed four children until Tuesday! Ive been in touch with the benefit place and am still waiting for it to come through. I also have been in touch with the food bank but they need a referral which social services cant do until Thursday! Its seems crazy that we can just be left like this. Im so worried about how I will manage over the next week as I have already sold everything I could over the last two weeks just to survive. My family dont want to know and feel so alone. ...ive asked everyone I can think of for help and seems there is no one to help. Has anyone been in this situation before? How did u cope? All advice greatly appreciated x

danz09x

If I have posted in the wrong place could someone move it to relevant place plzz, I just need help and advice.....lost all hope and need someone to talk to.

pmduk

Jobcentre plus can usually organise a food bank referral. call them tomorrow

PeacefulWaters

Okay, I don't have the answer to the immediate problem, but do suggest you copy and paste the post in to the Debt-free Wannabe part of the site. I think you'll get a lot of practical support and direction there.

The Boost Your Income section may help you build up a few extra sources of income. Again, it won't put food on the table tomorrow but might help in future moments of crisis.

Old Fashioned Money Saving may come up with ideas to make potatoes interesting and also to help them go further.

Can the kids' Dad(s) provide any immediate support? Either in the form of cash, food or looking after their offspring for a few days?

Do you have any points built up on Tesco, Nectar or Boots cards that could help in the short term?

Are any of the children old enough to take on a paper-round? Could you do one while looking for a new job?

Good luck.

JELLOIT

I have been in this situation more times than I care to remember. Have you spoken to the job centre about it. You can try to claim hardship if you have run out of money. Try citizens advice to speak to the electric company I'm sure there is no way an electric company can leave you with no electric with your children. Try and call the energy company if they can put emergency mopey on your card to last you until you get your money.

Don't worry things will sort themselves out, stay strong for your kids. If you have a lil money go to tesco and buy value biscuits there are not proper food but they might hold you before you have to use the last of your potatoes. Also telco sell value ready salted chrips for 60p for a pack of 6.

When you cook the potatoes don't chop them for chips make jacket potatos because you will use less potatoes

You are never truly alone there is always someone who can help.

pmduk

Check out short term benefit advances. it might help.

danz09x

Thanks for the advice all......I have asked kids dad but he doesn't care at all! Ivr tried ringing electric company but apparently they cant/wont help! Seems crazy they can leave us with no electricity! I have also spoken to benefits about advance on benefits but they want it paid bk in two lumps which will just leave me worse off when they come through. I will keep trying tomorrow but just at my wits end.....the potatoes seemed ok to feed the kids but didn't think how the heck im gonna cook them having no electricity :-( I just feel like giving up tbh can't see anyway of getting out of this..my older two are two young for a paper round and the twins are only three and don't understand why we've got no electricity? X

elsien

Do you have a friendly neighbour who would zap the jackets in the microwave for you just for today? You don't have to say why, just something vague about a problem with the electrics which you're waiting to get sorted.
Which electricity company is it?
Have you rummaged down the backs of chairs and in pockets and bags for loose change. You might scrape up enough for some cheap tins of things you can eat cold.

missbiggles1

When is your child benefit and tax credits due?

PlymouthMaid

Whereabouts in the country are you sweetheart? If you are anywhere near me I would like to help you out as I may be a bit broke but I do have food in the cupboard and luckily no kids to feed.

Also I would be sorely tempted to 'sit in' at social services and the benefits offices until help is given.

danz09x

Ive only got one neighbour at the end of the road who is very elderly and I don't want to inpose....I could walk the kids up the village but its dangerous as have no pathways only road. Think it may be my only choice. ..electric company is eon and just seemed so unhelpful! Looked everywhere for pennies but got 4p!