Universal Credit

[embarrasedaboutthis]

Im currently on universal credit for reasons out of my control (covid related). I don't have any money left and don't receive any more until next week.
My bank account is in unwarranted overdraft of -10.73 and I've previously had a budgeting advance, the last payment of 33.60 is due next week.
By my calculations, if I could find 44.33 then id be out of my overdraft and able to pay the last instalment early, and apply for another budgeting payment now. And do a big shop and put electric on.(3 kids and already on emergency). Primarily thinking about oat milk for the baby and nappies so there's some urgency.

Ive put everything I can think of on marketplace. Im a long time poster and know that plenty of people have been in this situation before. This is Britain. Its not uncommon. Im a teacher by trade and I feel totally helpless.

If you've been here before please tell me what you did to find some cash quickly.
I've emptied pockets, checked under the sofa and in the usual places you might have change. I regularly use our local social supermarket already.
What have I missed?

Anything you could sell?

Contact your local salvation army, they can provide nappies, milk, gas and elec top up and most likely a food parcel too. If you Google the number you can get in touch with them directly for your town. They really will help.

Definitely use the food bank in these circumstances. You can always pay it back when things improve. Please don’t be proud op and don’t take a pay day loan, you are providing for your family, that’s the most important thing.

Can you offer to childmind friends kids over the summer for a few quid?

Can your HV help with a food bank referral?

Hopefully you have friends or family who can help

Have a look on you LA website about Crisis Welfare Payments. They took over from Crisis Loans years ago but different LA's have different set ups.

It would take a few days to get the loan through though wouldnt it? Are you able to pay off early? I thought payments came out of your UC payments directly? I'd also avoid another advance if possible as it'll leave you short each month.

Call your health visitor and ask about what help there is available. She can probably make a referral for you.

@cookiesandcreamm

Anything you could sell?

First sentence, second paragraph

Ive put everything I can think of on marketplace

I’m sorry OP I don’t want to be the voice of doom, but please do bear in mind that the advances are not guaranteed. You may find the money to pay it off but not be eligible for another one.

Do you have a tv licence you pay for monthly?

If you stop watching and/or recording live tv (any - not just the BBC but also any Freeview channels, anything on Sky/Virgin etc) and don't watch iPlayer, you probably don't need a licence. You would have to rely on catchup tv (eg ITV player or whatever it's called) and I think you can watch a digital non-live service like Netflix or Prime. Could save you £13 a month.

Are you I'm Scotland? If so, Scottish Welfare Fund or Aberlour Urgent Assistance Fund may be able to help (but for the latter, you'll need a professional to apply for you).

*in Scotland

Do you have any points on loyalty cards like Tesco or boots?

@VeganVeal my bad, was just a quick response for her

Not for now but worth a look to see if you have any food places near you - ours is called the pantry and it's £5 for pretty much a full weeks food

[quote cookiesandcreamm]@VeganVeal my bad, was just a quick response for her[/quote]

Your local citizens advice can refer you to a local food bank and potentially to emergency funds from your council. They will also check you've maximised your income for the future e.g Council tax reduction, water schemes etc

Can you not ask your parents to help? They could do a quick bank transfer and you could pay it back at way less than normal if they are in better financial position.Surely they would be willing to help if they knew you were struggling so badly Iknow Iwould if you were my daughter,

Google your nearest Sikh temple. Ours offer free meals, no questions asked. They are a wonderful service to our community and there's no limit to you going and they take all walks of life with no expectation that you'll be interested in their religion.

Try a food sharing app like Olio, Too good to go etc. People and businesses give unwanted food items away. I've used them whem times are hard.

Also, try talking to your energy supplier.. If you have young children they are likely to help further.

My HV managed to get me £180 worth of food vouchers - just recently too, from a covid grant as like you money is really tight! It’s well worth enquiring. Also agree with pp food bank, Salvation Army or you could try local children’s centre. X

Is the social supermarket you talk of the same as a food bank?

If I were you, I'd throw myself on the mercy of friends and family and ask everyone I know to lend me a tenner. Surely you have some people in real life who could bail you out?

Also just to add, ow old is your baby? If under 6 months you can apply for a maternity grant if your claiming universal credit- its £500
www.gov.uk/sure-start-maternity-grant