Could do with some advice please.

LCS7821

Hi there,
I came out of an 11yr relationship earlier this year and moved back to my hometown with my children (both school age)
My ex kept practically everything in the way of furniture.
All I ended up getting was the childrens bunk beds, a washing machine and television. (The rest was just boxes of toys, clothes, books)

I am currently receiving JSA, have an interview for part time work later this week (fingers crossed!)
My family have done all they can to help myself and children settle into our new home. My parents bought carpets for my lounge and childrens bedroom and fridge freezer (as well as necessities, cutlery, dishes etc)
Another family member gave me her old sofa and chair and a dining table.

I applied for a social fund loan and have been turned down because I have not been claiming benefits for 26 weeks or more.
I applied for local Welfare Assistance and have been turned down because they see my move as a "planned move"
In theory, yes it was a "planned move" but I did not have a lot of time to plan for it.
I was living 25 miles away from my family and when I was offered this house back in my hometown, I had to take it otherwise it would have been another six months wait before I was offered anything else.
Following my break up in relationship, I was completely isolated where I was living previously. My main concern was getting back closer to my family again and creating a stable environment for my children.

I need to know if there is anything I can do to try and get help with furniture etc?
After being turned down for the social fund loan, I'm not sure if it is worth appealing for because I have not been receiving JSA for 26 weeks, not even close to that.

But I am genuinely desperate.
I have no bed to sleep in - I've been sharing a bed with my 6yr old since May.
I have no cooker.
I have no wardrobes
I have no drawers
I have two rooms of this house that still have bare walls and floors.

And I don't know where else to turn to.
I went to the CAB and a lady there said if I'd been turned down by the Welfare Assistance then there was nothing more I could do.
Basically there are there to help the neediest and it appears I didn't even qualify for that.
I just wish they would come and see how we're having to live.

Sorry this is a bit long winded.. Any thoughts/help appreciated.

Indie_Kid

Have you looked on Freecycle?

[Deleted User]

is your OH paying any maintenance?
as well as free cycle try gumtree and local churches who can often help,and as above check you are getting all the benefits you are entitled to

allen35

Did you request a review of the welfare assistance decision, seems a bit harsh, relationship breakdown, young children, low income, single parent.

There's probably a time limit when you can apply again but you should seek help to fill the form out from a benefits adviser who will be able to relate your circumstances to the criteria.

Do you have a local Credit Union, speak to them and open an account, you may be able to apply for an emergency loan with lower interest than the usual suspects.

john539

Charities, charity shops & churches.

Ask if they can help.

saraih

Many places like that only do so if you can get a referral from social services or other local charity. My brother in law got a referral to a furniture service run by a church and they charged about £30 for the lot based on his circumstances.

If you're accessing any services at all, ask them to refer you. Otherwise search online for 'TOWN furniture service' or your local council for voluntary service might be able to direct you.

Otherwise your cheapest option will be to join a local credit union and try to get an affordable loan from them.

Some councils offer furniture and carpet schemes for their tenants, if you aren't in social housing perhaps you could still ask if they know of any local schemes that could help.

As a side note, if any of you have a particular illness/condition, a charity for that condition may help you with a grant. You may also be able to visit a local CVS and use their directories to look up grant giving foundations that you may qualify to apply for, but that takes a lot of time and effort.

It really is a postcode lottery and depends very much on who is active in your area and what their criteria are.

Personally I would contact social services or sure start depending on your children's age and start accessing that referral network. It is humbling but opens many doors and can make a big difference to your kids quality of life.

LCS7821

I just want to thank you all for your responses and advice.

I am on Freecycle, Gumtree.. nothing as yet but I will keep trying of course.
I've spoken to a family friend today who knows of a charity that may be able to help with some furniture. Keeping my fingers crossed all goes okay with it.

Woodbine - No. My ex does not pay maintenance.
As he is now currently unemployed himself, and because he sees our children every weekend, according to the law, he doesn't have to pay a penny to me for our children.

I'm now hoping my job interview later this week is a successful one!

I am working on an appeal later to the Welfare Assistance - I have 28 days to appeal so I will be doing.

Thanks again, everyone.

Indie_Kid

Good luck with the job interview.

[Deleted User]

LCS7821 wrote: »

I just want to thank you all for your responses and advice.

I am on Freecycle, Gumtree.. nothing as yet but I will keep trying of course.
I've spoken to a family friend today who knows of a charity that may be able to help with some furniture. Keeping my fingers crossed all goes okay with it.

Woodbine - No. My ex does not pay maintenance.
As he is now currently unemployed himself, and because he sees our children every weekend, according to the law, he doesn't have to pay a penny to me for our children.

I'm now hoping my job interview later this week is a successful one!

I am working on an appeal later to the Welfare Assistance - I have 28 days to appeal so I will be doing.

Thanks again, everyone.

I maybe wrong but i always thought that even out of jsa he has to pay £5 per week