Help Getting By Whilst Waiting on Tax Credits

fletcher89

As the title suggests I need help getting by. I changed my tax credits from a joint to a single claim last week and they said it could take three weeks to complete and one week on I am out of money. I am self employed, business currently doesn't make any money, so I am not entitled to help from the Job Centre and I have no friends or family that can help. Someone recommended a loan from my local credit union which I have been accepted for, but because its my first loan they need to see the first repayment in my bank account and my bank account is on £0.00 so at present I can't go forward go forward with that loan.

I have three kids and I am really struggling, Does anybody know what I can do or any help I can get? I feel my only other opinion is a payday loan but i want to avoid them at all costs. Tia

HappyMJ

Are you getting housing benefit?

You could decide to not pay the rent on time this month and use the housing benefit payment to buy food. When the tax credits have come through you can then pay the rent.

You could sell things that you own. You can buy them back later. It's usually much cheaper doing this than getting a payday loan.

In an emergency you can get a food parcel which should give you enough food for a few days. How much food do you have in the cupboard?

fletcher89

I could maybe stretch the food I have to another week but that would be a stretch. My rent is paid direct to the council, I don't see it, And I have nothing of value to sell, and I mean nothing. But thanks for the advice

Caz3121

maintenance from the father? is the child benefit due?

HappyMJ

Caz3121 wrote: »

maintenance from the father? is the child benefit due?

Considering the father was part of the joint claim I really doubt he's earning enough to pay much more than the minimum....but £7 a week is £7 more than nothing.

bloolagoon

How much is the first loan repayment

Caz3121

HappyMJ wrote: »

Considering the father was part of the joint claim I really doubt he's earning enough to pay much more than the minimum....but £7 a week is £7 more than nothing.

as the OPs business earns no money and they have 3 children, the father could be earning more than £30k and they would still have had a joint tax credits claim...even with no childcare/disabilities. I thought the £7 would apply if he was on JSA

merlin68

Tax credits are getting funny with businesses that earn no money.
So you might end up having to sign on eventually, they give some leeway.

sulkisu

What about child benefit? Other bills would have to wait but you should be able to feed the children with that.