crisis fund

starlite_2

sorry got a bit ahead of myself too...my college has a surprisingly similar disinterested tone, they say until i am fully registered i am not entitled to ask for financial help(want to make sure they get their hands on my fees first of course.....the lae says this will be in two weeks time) my boyfriend who i have lived with for 4 years just completed an ma two weeks ago so is similarly destitute whilst his jsa claim is pending(or someone offers him a job), my parents are irreperably broke and having gotten into the red by using these cheque cashing agencies relying on income which didnt come through on time my bank will not allow an overdraft until i have a proven record of responsibility.also i have been ill since the start of term so havent been able to go back to my part time job(i do have a doctors note though...will this help my claim?)...phew...so fingers crossed i get to speak to an understanding human at the offices who may stretch the red tape a little for me....it seems really unfair, all ineed is a little money to ensure i dont starve over the next two weeks, which i can pay back in full with my own money...i understand that the majority of people on benefits are in genuine need, but we all know that so many arent (i chat to enough builders in the bar where i worked early afternoon to realise they are scamming the social fund, and their employees by propping up the bar all day)...phew...i will keep you updated. this is like therepy for me..cheers

Fran

Your best bet for money then would seem to be your boyfriend chasing up his JSA claim (has he declared that he is living with you, you don't need any more complications?). He should get on the phone/get down the Jobcentre/ask CAB or other welfare benefits advisor to help. He should be applying for a Crisis Loan - tell him to get an appointment. Tell him to get off his **** and sort out some money!

starlite_2

i cant, he is in macedonia at his grandmothers funeral, wont be back until friday and he hardly needs any extra stress. someone has emailed me offering flyering work in central london tonight at £40 cash in hand, should i take this up?i could do with the cash but not sure about hanging out alone on the mean streets.(or indeed if its a scam)

Fran

Is it someone off this site? If so are they a regular (you could check their posts to help you decide if you think it's a genuine offer). Isn't there someone else you could do it with?

mzmoneypenny

Wow, you are in a bit of a catch 22 situation!

A few more other suggestions as you've since given more information...

1) If you have a sick note, then you can apply for Incapacity Benfit (assuming you're not getting SSP from your work).  If you've paid enough contributions in the past few years, you would qualify for this benefit.  If you haven't paid enough contributions, you could put in a claim for IS along with your IB claim and claim for your partner (declare him applying for JSA).  If benefit not due for a couple of weeks (payday is worked out by your NI no.) Then you could then apply for a crisis loan to tide you over.  (Only thing I'm not too sure of in this situation is how they would treat you being a student - but worth a go!)

2) Get in touch with your local Welfare Rights office (should be part of the Council) and see what advice they can give you.

3) If the worst comes to the worst, you can contact your local Social Work/Services department and ask for a food parcel.

Hope one of these works out for you!

starlite_2

hi thanks for advice but not sure its relevant to my situation. i am not in a position to claim any benefits being a full time student (nor would i want/need too if i wasnt in such a bind at the moment)just dont know what yo do! i have put my c.v around various sites but only got unbelievably sordid responses so far...does anyone know of a decent london bssed temp agency?

Fran

ami,

You could try posting your question on the "I wanna" board too re temps as more people would see it.

starlite_2

thanks, i am going to social security in the morning armed with bank statements showing how far in the red i am and a letter proving i cant get anything else(as you will seee on the dealing with currents account board i have been thoroughly screwed by barclays), a photocopy of my parents banksatament showing almost zero(they have two other children and my dads business isnt going too well at the moment)a letter from my uni stating until my fees are paid they cant help, a letter from my lea saying i am more than likely entitled to a student loan in order to repay(i am definitly entitled...just waiting for paperwork to be proccessed)and a post dated cheque for £200 that my flatmates have thankfully given me on the understanding i will pay them back soon(they cant afford to lend me any money at the moment)
will keep you updated as i feel it is unfair that peoplein education are excluded from this fund...all i have lived on is borrowed bread and beans since monday and i am suffering as a result
as for the flyering offer, the guy emailed back saying the work had changed and he required a 50 year old business man to allow me to be spanked by him!advice to anyone getting a similar email...be very cautious
i now have little trust in any online job offers and my local agencies are only recruiting full time workers

starlite_2

hi, seems everyone was right (as you were with my query about bank accounts too!)
went to the office today and was flatly refused because i am in full time education and so should be supported by my lea...grr...i will be but the loan hasnt come through which is exactly why i need this money. they wouldnt even let me speak to an advisor or decision maker. considered going back tomorrow morning, but they are on strike apparantly. now i am left without even a penny until at least monday, or indefinitley.i am so angry!

Fran

wont be back until friday

Is your boyfriend back in time to get to the Jobcentre to chase his JSA claim or to make a crisis loan application?

Did you speak to the Students Union? They might have suggestions - this must happen every year. Find out in college what other students have done.

Are you well enough to do your bar job now? They might be able to "lend" you your wages instead of waiting until the end of the week/month.

What about Mzmoneypenny's suggestion of Social Services and a food parcel?