Is financial difficulty a safeguarding concern ?

[moneyQuerying]

As in can it be used for referral to ss?
For example if a family persistently have a few days each week with no money as when money goes in it goes back out on bills food etc

If they have fails on payment plans etc ?

If they have to ask for food bank vouchers is that noted somewhere and if they have more than a certain amount of vouchers is this flagged up ?
(Not me btw-trying to help a close friend sort things out hence no other details as not my info to give)

I have worked in a food bank and been involved with a few food projects in the past and this would not have been a flag for SS. The actual food bank may have different criteria on who can have food. If it’s a Trussell Trust they will be limited to three parcels in a time period though I can’t remember the exact period, though there is still a chance for more. Referrals are usually with a voucher from an agency but they can self refer as well. If it’s an independent food bank then they can do what they like, I know one for instance that will give to everyone with no referral and no limit on parcels.

Ok, thanks she was worried asking for another voucher may flag up an issue. I’ve given her some bits myself so she didn’t have to this time.

I have been trying to help look through things for her but I’m no Financial expert I’ll reassure her about the food bank issue though

That sounds incredibly stressful. Can you ask her her budget and post it on here and we’ll try to help?

I’ve had a look through things already and tbh all I’m seeing is that maybe some help is needed to rejig debt loans so I’ve given her numbers and they could help set up a new plan as current mine too much

One child also has a dla claim that expired and the renewal is taking weeks so obviously that money has been lost plus the extra top up on ctc they had so it’s about £500 a month lost till that claim is (hopefully) reinstated but there’s apparently a huge delay.
The problem as well has been they’ve had to prioritise food over rent so I’m trying to help there where I can as she’s worried about food bank use but as above I can now reassure her

*debt plans not loans
*current one not current mine

She was thinking of cancelling some direct debits but that was contents insurance and breakdown. Cover and I did say I’m not sure if that’s a good idea but maybe I’m wrong as it’s saves them about £50 a month

Accompany her to the citizens advice bureau.

Today

She 100% needs to prioritise rent over food. I know this is easier said then done but get her to reach out to food banks in the meantime.

It sounds like a massive blow being down £500 every month. I really hope that gets sorted too. Tell her to keep chasing them.

Has she looked at any ways to add a little bit of money? Is there any overtime going at work? Could she do something like cleaning or ironing for friends and family until all this is sorted?

Sounds like she needs advice from someone like CAB or Stepchange.

What she shouldn't be doing is missing payments for essentials to meet debt repayments. If you're in such a position, it's a strong indicator that you need outside help.

She needs to meet as many essential payments as possible starting with rent/mortgage, council tax, home insurance, utilities, food and essential travel and if the money runs out before she gets to debt repayments, which are the lowest priority, she needs to write to them to tell them that she is unable to pay due to delays with benefits and offer a £1 token payment until she gets back on her feet.

But depending on how she manages when she is receiving her full benefit entitlement, and other circumstances, eg renting or a homeowner etc she may need a more formal solution.

The moneysavingexpert debt help section will walk her through what she needs to do:

www.moneysavingexpert.com/loans/debt-help-plan/