£10 left how to make it stretch or ideas on how to make money fast .

[whatislove]

as above really , I have £10 in my bank account and no cash. my gas went off yesterday so we are without heating or hot water . minimum I need to put in to get it back on is £7.68 if i do that i will have £2 to survive on until Tuesday. electricity I haven't dared check but I would guess it's close to empty .
food I have 5 eggs , 12 fish fingers and some chicken dippers .
I have no idea what to do , I have struggles financially since my partner walked out on me and our 3 kids 6 months ago but this week has got to be the worst . I am receiving benefits but thanks to benefit cap less than a 3rd of the rent is paid via housing benefit so I need to make up £400 a month on the little I receive.

I have listed everything I can think of to sell but to be honest anything of any value was sold months ago. I sold stuff on eBay but because I'm a new seller paypal held the funds for 21 days which obviously is no good.
I have no friends or family to turn too the only person I could ask was ex which I have and he promised to top up gas but he hasn t. He mover to America 4 months ago and hasn't seen or bothered with the kids since .

Christmas is just over 2 weeks I have 2 presents bought that I have now had to try and sell no tree no decorations and honestly just despair at how my life has turned out . my daughter's nursery is going to get some gifts , they do some Christmas collection in coordination with local church so that's as relief atleast .

is there any thing obvious I'm missing ? I have tried finding survey sites to make some money but not getting anywhere fast.
foodbanks i know need referal for or is there any you can self refer ?

is there anywhere else i could sell thing other than gumtree/eBay?

scarymary81 just applied for it thanks so much cant believe how quick and easy it was .

I know you said you'd tried survey sites but have you tried qmee? Unlike the others, you don't need to earn a minimum amount to pay out. I made a couple of quid the first time I tried it and the money was in my account immediately. It's only a couple of quid but could buy some food to see you through the next few days until better, longer term solutions kick in.

whatislove did you see the post from Rapunzel who runs a charity initiative in paisley?

Thanks guilty. I hope she gets in touch. I could have a package for her really quickly

In the longer term you really need to apply for social housing ( if you haven't already done so). You can't keep topping up your rent to the tune of £400 every month.
If you would like help or advice with this I would be happy to help. Just PM me.

Just also wanted to say how lovely you all are.

Only wish our Government shared your heart x

Well done OP, you've had some great tips and I hope it will make that feeling of utter despair when you just don't know what to do go away.

Please PM timeandtune. She is right, if you can sort out housing it will make things so much easier

OP CLAIM DLA FOR YOUR NINE YEAR OLD. Sorry to shout but although not immediate it will help so much long term. You will then not be subject to the benefit cap at all. You will also revive an extra £60- £80 a week tax credits plus the dla plus carers allowance at £62.70 ( your IS will reduce but you will still be better off by £30 from the carers allowance) .
You do not need you dd to have been diagnosed yet to claim.
Pm me if you want help.

Go to Citizens Advice. They can help negotiate with utilities, do a benefits check for you and will have info on charities in your area that can maybe help with food in the short term. It sounds like you are in a horrible situation, I hope things get better for you.

Hi folks, thanks for all your reports. We'd like to remind everyone to please bear in mind that, particularly at this time of year, not everyone is who they say they are on the internet. Since no one can be sure, it's best to avoid giving money or goods to strangers.

Sorry to have posted and ran but I had an appointment to get to.

What a bastard your ex is. I'm sure you know that and its not helpful so sorry, but he is.

In the short term I'd put the £6 on the electric and use the £4 to buy potatoes, porridge, bread and value baked beans to see you through to Tuesday.

There's lots of great advice on here for longer term.

If you're Glasgow you're not far from me actually.

Lots of you offered help for op

Did she get in touch with any of you? Is she sorted now?

sorry not disappeared just getting kids sorted topped up gas as it was too cold not too . £4 left in electricity so few days until I need to worry about that . hopefully something on gumtree sells saves all the worry thanks for all the replies will have proper read and reply shortly.

I can't believe this just topped up £8 as it was minus £2.59 buts it's still off as I owe 38p . so I topped up for absolutely nothing still freezing and now with £2 left I'm such an idiot

Whatislove I do hope you take my initiative's support. This short term assistance is here for you today while you get the longer term issues sorted

Back on again to say you absolutely must apply for Discretionary Housing Payment to top up your rent till you can find something cheaper. The £400 you are paying could go to so much better use.

@whatislove I've got a ton of decorations if you'd like them, PM me.

I'm trying to get through too them now.

I can't seem to add imagine to the thread but unless I'm being dense the smart meter says gas is off and 38p owed . surely I should be able to access the emergency credit though . I checked smart meter and my usage yesterday was apparently £1.38 considering the gas had been off all day I seriously doubt that .

minimum top up is £5 😔 I wish i could just top up the 38p it1s crazy

The gas usage yesterday will be standing charges which accrue even if you don't use any gas.
I am also near Glasgow, I have a small Christmas tree and some decorations you are welcome to have.
I have some toys that DC no longer play with that you are also welcome to.
PM me if you would like them, or if you need a chat.
Agree with others for long term speak to your utility suppliers and to CAB about anything more you may be entitled to.
And contact rapunzal for details on her programme.

Isn't there things that the social services are obliged to do but rarely tell people?

I'm sure I heard someone talking about it on the radio.