Waiting for ChBen.. stop gaps!

[daddymum79]

Hi, firstly, I'm a dad but its more likely that someone will be able to advise me here than on any of the mens parenting forums which seem to be more aimed at fathers for justice etc.

I had one of my 4 children move in full time in November and the other 3 have joined us as of last week (following a long court process and a judgement). Ex has not let the children bring any of their possessions, clothes, school uniforms, pe kits, bags etc (even brownies, scouts and stuff) So I have spent literally every penny I had kitting them out last week ready for the summer term.

My work has had to take second place to the school run/child care. (Since November I have been working 9-2.30 on week days and then evenings/weekends to make up my full time hours but can't do any of the travel/overseas jobs which used to pay the big bucks) I'm self employed so without the bigger paying jobs i used to do I'm actually on less than minimum wage but its work it to be flexible!

I have applied for Child Benefit last week and been told it will take at least 5 weeks to get it but once i get that, I can also get CTC and WTC. I've managed to fill up the freezer and cupboard, fill the car with fuel but i now have literally nothing left.

It seems that as soon as i get child benefit in my name, I can access all of the other benefits but in the mean time, i can't get any help!

Ex is continuing to claim the Child Ben and Tax Credits in her name until they award it to me but she won't provide that for the children (she has a new husband and more kids) and needs to provide for them.

This really is only a short term problem but I can't get a loan anywhere (lost a house and was left with Ex's debts 6 years ago.)

Crisis Loans have been scrapped and It doesn't look like there is anything there to help in situations like mine... If I hadn't had a little bit put away, i wouldn't have been able to get uniforms, food or fuel etc so I'd hate to think what would/could have happened! Does anyone know of any emergency payment that I can access? Grant/benefit or loan? I don't want to use payday loans but at this rate i may have to!

Thank you in advance.

[justjuanmorebeer]

Have you contacted the CMS to ask them to start a maintenence claim for you? If you are the resident parent now she will need to pay you.

[Funkytown]

food bank if food becomes tight
speak to social services they are able to allocate a payment for hardship