Advice needed

Kelzy2022

Good morning 
not sure what to do and this is a last resort for me to get some advice.
I’m a mother of 2 and was made redundant in my 4 year administration job due to COVID last year I managed to get a part time Job In my local shop and I get some universal credit I started working more hours to get more money so I wouldn’t be in this situation but My universal credit has been cut. Im really struggling and I’ve tried to get a payday loan so I can go and get some food shopping as I don’t have anything till I get paid next week but they have said I can’t as I get benefits I’ve tried to get an advance with my universal credit but I can’t.
can someone advise me what else I can do. I’m sorry for the post

JJ_Egan

This would be better on the Benefits board rather than local money saving .

Kelzy2022

I have no idea how to do that

Brie

Can you try getting some food from the local food bank?  Some may require you to be referred or show proof of your UC.  Some locations also have a community fridge (often old phone booths) where you can go and help yourself.  Some neighbourhood sites (NextDoor or Facebook) also have food shares - where if someone was planning a party but had too made too much food they might offer it.  

Do your best to avoid payday loans or similar if you can.

Sorry to hear you are struggling.  Best of luck of improving the situation.

Brie

Can the mods move this to a better location??

elsien

Try the Food bank and free food apps such as Olio -  Olio works better if you are in a city. There may also be other local support networks if you look on your council website.
Post on freegle/freecycle - I've seen surpluses of veg being given away at times. 

Have you tried putting your figures through one of the benefits calculators to see if they have got it right? Entitled to or turn 2 us.
Are there any non-priority bills you could put a hold on on a temporary basis? 
If you have any store cupboard staples in, post on the old style bit of the forum - they can make very small amounts go a very long way.

NedS

Your local jobcentre may be able to refer you to the local food bank (sometimes they require a referral). I would suggest you contact UC on your journal and ask if they can help with a food parcel from the local food bank. An advisor will hopefully then contact you. Alternatively, you could call into the jobcentre and speak with someone in person.

Alice_Holt

I'd see if your local Citizens Advice can do a benefit check for you.

Are you getting the correct elements of UC, e.g. 2 elements of child additions; if you are renting - are you getting the correct housing element of UC?  -  etc.

Are you eligible for Council Tax reduction?

Your  local Citizens Advice would also be able to give you a food bank voucher. It may be that they could signpost you to a charity that can possibly arrange a grant.
Or look at this website - https://grants-search.turn2us.org.uk/

poppy12345

Kelzy2022 said:

I started working more hours to get more money so I wouldn’t be in this situation but My universal credit has been cut.

The more hours you work and the more you earn the less UC you will receive because it's based on earnings received during your assessment period. Do you have family that can help you?

PLease also check your UC statements to make sure you're receiving the correct amount.

TBagpuss

AS others have said, the amount you get in UC will reduce if you earn more. 

You can check whether the figures are correct using the calculators on ww.entitledto.co.uk 

https://www.trusselltrust.org/get-help/ can help you check whether there is a food bank local to you, and how to access help if there is.   There may be other local support which isn't part of their network - your local CAB or local churches may have details. it's also worth checking out any local facebook sites - I know where I live there are regular posts - the local rotary club coordinate emergency bags which contain food and other essentials from donations, and which are available on a 1st come, 1 served basis without the need for a referral or proof of benefits.

what type of shop do you work in? If they sell food is there any change that you could ask your boss whether you can take home any expiring food to use the same day, rather than it being binned? Or, of you think your UC is wrong, could you ask your boss whether they are able to advance you a bit of your next pay cheque? (obviously that's a very short term solution but might be better than a payday loan) 

Spoonie_Turtle

As you earn, your UC is lowered by less than you earn (a fair amount less, as you should have the work allowance due to having children) so you should still be better off than if you worked less.  For you to be worse off and struggling something must have gone wrong.  Would you be willing to post figures for your UC so we could have a look and tell you if it looks right?