35 and still not learnt a thing!

angie_baby

So due to covid 19 I am back on benefits and I have just realised I'm screwed for the month, well probably the year. 

I need to get back on track money wise and mentally and when I was struggling years ago this forum really helped me. 

So the big issue I have this month is due to receiving the self employment grant universal credits are only paying me 369 to last until the 24th of July. Out of this I am meant to be paying my rent of 471 which is obviously not going to happen. I will be calling them first thing on monday morning but I will still struggle for the month. 

So I'm back I need to sort out debts and then attempt to have some sort of savings for the future as I've had enough of things like the microwave breaking and not being able to afford to replace these things. 

I just dont know how I am meant to make the 369 last, there is me and DS to feed. Gas and electric are pre payment, the phone bill is due and yes at the moment we definitely need internet ect, but that's another 47. 

Apologises for the ramblings

WinterWarrior

Good luck Angie_baby. Someone will come along with lots of good advice soon I’m sure.
I’m still a beginner myself, but I think an SOA is a good place to start. Can you get any child benefits or extra help? Feeding you both and keeping a roof over your heads has to be the priority x 

janb5

Could you get help from a food bank.  Have a look at what food you have and what you definitely need to get?

enthusiasticsaver

What happened to the SE grant?  Can you sell anything? 

angie_baby

enthusiasticsaver said:

What happened to the SE grant?  Can you sell anything? 

Stupidly used it on council tax and 200 to rent arrears as I thought I was doing the right thing. And to be honest, we were living pay check to pay check before this started. I had just finished paying tax credits an over payment of 6k in January 

angie_baby

Okay I spent the weekend listing every food item / cleaning / bathroom products and have managed a meal plan until the 23rd of July. I have made a shopping list of all the bits we need that can keep and will just keep 10 per week for fresh bits. 
Not that I will be able to cook anything, stupid poxy cooker keeps tripping the electric box and I have no clue why! 
Hopefully I can sort it out but I have been told by universal credit that I am not eligible for any hardship or advances. I have left a message with my housing asking them to call back as I cannot make rent this month. Hopefully I get the lady on a good day lol

angie_baby

Still no phone call back from housing.
And I was supposed to have an hours work this afternoon but it's been cancelled due to the LA needing more advice from public heath. Also the news today still wont allowed indoor sports so I'm still a way off from going back to work. 

Going to do a big food shop for tomorrow as that is my biggest fear.

Managed NSD in a row now so that's good, also going to go through and cancel any subscriptions like my amazon books ect and see how much I can save. Also need to pay the phone bill and then look for cheaper supplier for that. Shame virgin are not in our area really.

angie_baby

Really thought I could get through all this stress and today I just dont see a way through it. Spoke to housing and the first letter is going out about my rent arrears. I had a small amount going into march, but since then it has gone up to 1612 plus of course another weekly 112.05 being added weekly. 

I have explained that I cannot now make payment until the 24th of july. It's just all a mess and I dont know how I can do anything.

We really do not have anything to sell, I've been looking at our old camping equipment and could maybe do a bundle for ebay. I dont own expensive jewellery but was given a watch a few years ago for christmas but looking at ebay it's only going for around 60/70 and I dont have the box for it. 

I do know deep down there is a way forward but today just doesn't feel like it, I've given myself another bloody headache too. Off to drink some water and try to sort my head space out. 

swfcfan

Stay positive it will pass and you are not alone . Not very practical advice I know but try and seek out any further support on your local area

angie_baby

Ahhh, anything more annoying than a lost post!
Haven't done a food shop just been using the change jar for milk and bread from the local shop. 
Trying to be positive and get into a proper morning routine, I'm all over the place since lockdown. Still no news on when we can get back to work, all depends on leisure centres opening, indoor sports being allowed.
Bank balance stands at £292 paid the internet, tv, £15 on subscriptions I was too late to cancel and £10 token rent payment. Still need to do top ups on gas and electric. Have also asked for a grant to help clear my water debt that I have, sent them proof today of my UC claim.
Have also looked at my old survey sites but haven't really had many. Need to get back into the routine of checking them daily for the next while. 

angie_baby

2 weeks until I finally get some money and can breathe again. I haven't posted much as it really is one thing after another at the moment but I am so very lucky and have some lovely neighbours who have helped by letting me use there cooker or microwave. One even knocked on my door with food already done for me and a veggie fried rice for DS.
Other good news is that we may be able to go back to work on the 25th depending on venues. I know work wont go back to normal straight away but its hopefully a start. And maybe some summer work will come in as it's the school holidays where I can earn the most.
Once i and DS are working again hopefully we can start to come up with a plan on how to move forward. Oh another positive is DS passed this year at college and now has his final year. He needs to make some plans aswell, deciding on university ect. I also want to work towards a holiday next year, I did book a holiday for this September but thankfully I got to cancel it and only lost my £60 deposit at the start of all this as there is no way we could afford it now.