Huge Debt, unemployed & new mum

sourcrates

N1992 wrote: »

Oh and that’s a good month. Some months I don’t even earn that

Google “DRO” Debt Releif Order, you have the perfect circumstances to possibly obtain one.

Do some research, as it’s an insolvency procedure, you also need to work out exactly what you owe, who too, and for what.

theoretica

N1992 wrote: »

I’m entitled to £20.70 child benefit, and that is all. That’s obviously for my child, and I would never use to repay debts.

I do think I’ll start claiming that to help with cost of new clothing, formula etc

I really, really doubt that is all. This country does not leave babies without some support. Can you make an appointment at a Citizen's Advice Bureau to go over things?



And absolutely, claim it. Your child deserves it. Also support from the dad, if you aren't already getting any.

kangoora

N1992 wrote: »

I’m entitled to £20.70 child benefit, and that is all. That’s obviously for my child, and I would never use to repay debts.

I do think I’ll start claiming that to help with cost of new clothing, formula etc

You MUST claim the child benefit, BTW it is £20.70 per week. Child benefit credits you with NI credits towards your state pension until the child is age 12 if you are not working or not earning enough to pay NI.

Some other benefits also do this but you also need to properly explore with Citizens Advice what you are eligible for.

Child benefit is income, purely and simply, provided by the government to help avoid hardship from the additional cost of having children. It is not designed to be a savings pot, child spends or toy fund etc. It's there to be spent to ensure your child(ren) have what they need and that does include housing, heating, food, clothing, nappies etc.

Whilst it is a wonderful idea to keep it for the child, it shouldn't be hoarded to the extent that other areas suffer. When you are back on your feet and earning a decent wage then you can make a decision on if you can afford to save this for them/spend it only on them.

I would also register (if you haven't already) for a council house/property as you can't really live with friends/family indefinitely, especially with a new child.

I hope things get better for you.

stripeyfox

N1992 wrote: »

I’m entitled to £20.70 child benefit, and that is all. That’s obviously for my child, and I would never use to repay debts.

I do think I’ll start claiming that to help with cost of new clothing, formula etc

If you're not claiming it already, then do it - STRAIGHT AWAY. And use it for whatever you need to right now. Priority is your baby's health and your own mental well being. Then speak to Citizen Advice or one of the debt charities. They will help you to go through everything and then you can work with them on a way forward - then things can improve for you

(Sent you a PM)

datlex

OP your SOA says there are two adults in your household? Why is that person not contributing?

elsien

datlex wrote: »

OP your SOA says there are two adults in your household? Why is that person not contributing?

I'm guessing it's the relative they currently live with, so they probably shouldn't be on there.
No child maintenance from baby's father?

You also need to base your SOA on average earnings not just on a good month to make it more realistic.

HampshireH

I don't want to sound to questioning here as I can read your distress in your posts.

But £60 a week for a hairdresser isn't a lot.

A standard cut in a salon is the best part of £30..

Couldn't you increase your appointments? Even doing a couple of colours a week or cuts a day should at the very least triple your income.

I appreciate you are working around a baby but if you have some routine in place you will generally know your quieter periods of the day and whilst they cannot be guarenteed, a local client base who are aware of your circumstances are likely to be accepting of this.

enthusiasticsaver

Definitely claim child benefit for the NI credits if nothing else.

macman

You've put £80pm in for fuel and car insurance, but you don't have a car?
Not claiming CB of £83pm when your income is just £350 is insane: that would increase your income by 24%.
You've made a good start by partially doing your SOA, but now you do need to sit down and work out exactly what your debt is next: you can't begin to solve the problem until you know the extent of it.

BabyStepper

You need to go see your doctor really quickly - sounds like you may have post natal depression and your doctor will help with that.

There are benefits you are entitled to but you are not thinking clearly at the minute to claim them - citizens advice will help you and they are lovely.

Come back and tell us all how you get on.