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Original poster

Universal Credit

60 replies

embarrasedaboutthis · 21/07/2021 17:16

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?

OP posts:
Original poster
embarrasedaboutthis · 21/07/2021 18:40

Thanks guys I will speak to my energy supplier and look at food bank too. Cant find anybody taking calls today but its on my list for first thing in the morning. I think my main worry is that they have allergies and can only have oat milk. Will food bank be able to help with this? Please tell me they will!

OP posts:
Original poster
embarrasedaboutthis · 21/07/2021 18:44

One of the things in my head as well is they have allergies and can only have oat milk, will food bank be able to help with this? please tell me yes!
I have no petrol and we don't have a temple close by but we are due to see the health visitor soon for her checks so she might be able to help long term.

OP posts:
Original poster
embarrasedaboutthis · 21/07/2021 18:45

Does anybody know of any offers or mums net competitions where you can get nappies?

OP posts:

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Benefits
ivykaty44 · 21/07/2021 18:48

Although it’ll take a while to come through, but may be of use to help out

Apply at council for Discretionary housing payment, as you are on UC you can apply for this

But of form filling but worth it for some extra money down the line

WrongKindOfFace · 21/07/2021 18:49

@maxineputyourredshoeson

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.
Yeah, this. It’s not worth the risk. And you can’t get one for bills anyway. www.gov.uk/guidance/universal-credit-advances

Are you getting healthy start vouchers? It’s not a lot but it all helps. www.healthystart.nhs.uk/

And the health visitor is a good suggestion.

ivykaty44 · 21/07/2021 18:52

DHP is not a loan and you don’t have to pay it back

WrongKindOfFace · 21/07/2021 18:54

If you have school age children stick in an application for free school meals. Some (all, I hope?) areas are providing vouchers over the holidays again. Also free activities and meals for kids.

Have a look for your nearest food bank. Lots will deliver. www.trusselltrust.org/

JamieFrasersLover · 21/07/2021 18:56

If you phone salvation army they will bring you nappies, food etc to your door. They should be able to help you tonight with this. You don't have to apply then wait for an answer so you could do this tonight and then see what help is available tomorrow too.

StealthRoast · 21/07/2021 18:56

Hi op, I think you may be disappointed because my neighbour tried to do what you have suggested and it wasn't possible.
The payment for next week will already be processed and calculated and you can't just pay off the rest and get more instantly. It doesn't work like that.

With respect, entering a competition to win nappies won't help you right now. Do you have anyone who can help you get nappies now? Doesn't your baby get his milk on prescription if it's due to allergy?

Your local council should have a service for emergency fuel assistance and most energy suppliers will help you, especially if you have children under 5.

WrongKindOfFace · 21/07/2021 18:57

And yes, food banks will try to accommodate dietary needs. Although I suppose you could adapt meals to do without oat milk for a couple of days if necessary.

DifficultPifcultLemonDifficult · 21/07/2021 18:59

I've been there before too op, it's an awful place to be Flowers

I managed to get a payment from my local council to see me through the short term until my next payment came through.

A friend of mine contacted social services who helped her out with a referral to a charity and some practical support too.

CiderJolly · 21/07/2021 19:04

If you put a note on your journal explaining you’re running out of food and have young children, UC will give you a food bank voucher code.

Like another poster said, you won’t get a budgeting advance for bills/food.

If you speak with Citizens Advice they will ensure you are claiming everything you’re entitled to.

OneForTheRoadThen · 21/07/2021 19:06

Have you got a local Facebook mums group you could ask for a few nappies on?

Hen2018 · 21/07/2021 19:10

Check your car for parking change.

Do you have enough Nectar points or similar to redeem?

Viviennemary · 21/07/2021 19:14

I agree with trying the GP for a milk prescription if your baby has an allergy.

HelenHywater · 21/07/2021 19:18

I think you need to get a referral to a food bank sadly.

Can you speak to CAB? There are places you can get grants too - speak to CAB they can tell you about them

Are you a single parent? Gingerbread can help.

Your local Covid group?(Mine's on what's app), or Nextdoor? They might be able to sign post you to help.

ViciousJackdaw · 21/07/2021 19:20

There's some excellent advice here. Being upfront on Facebook will be your best bet. If people can see who they are talking to, they will be more likely to want to help you out. Perhaps someone bought too much oat milk or has a spare pack of nappies hanging round. That's your best bet for immediate help.

EmmalineC · 21/07/2021 19:36

I agree with throwing yourself on the mercy of facebook friends. If people can see you, they can come round to your house with nappies and oat milk, and check out you are genuine. There are a lot of people who claim to be penniless when they're not so I would be hesitant at offering money to someone who may not be genuine. If it was one of my facebook friends though, it would be entirely different.

Allllchange · 21/07/2021 20:01

As gently as possible I would say don't take out another advance as you will be in exactly the same position with not enough to live on for the year after taking it. Definitely go to a food bank to get you through until your next payment. Tell the bank you are struggling this month and they will hopefully hold any charges if they haven't agreed the overdraft.

Myworldyourworld · 21/07/2021 21:15

Op how old are your children?

Brown76 · 21/07/2021 21:42

Friends that have been in this position have borrowed £20-£50 off me for a few months to get themselves out of a crisis, and I’ve been happy to be able to help out.

Not ways to make money, but:

My local authority offers vouchers of £50 towards reusable/washable nappies, so that could be a longer term option to get some that you could wash if stuck in future.

See if your local authority has any summer schemes that offer lunch for the kids.

If you have a blender (and kids will go for it) you might be able to make oat milk from porridge oats and water. Haven’t tried this tbh but it sounds like that’s a big worry so thought I’d mention it.

DennisTMenace · 21/07/2021 22:18

Oats can be bought for less than £1 per kilo and oat milk is so simple to make. Even if you don't have a blender, you can pulverised them up a bit with whatever you have in the kitchen. You can also still use the oats afterwards. Don't get payday loans etc, they will show up on your credit file and have long term potential to stop you getting finance for other things.

Dimsummummy · 21/07/2021 22:41

Try phoning your electric/gas supplier for an emergency top up. I believe you can have a couple a year usually. Hope you get sorted 😀

thinkingaboutitall · 21/07/2021 22:47

If you have genuinely had bad service recently, complain to the provider and don’t put it off. Sometimes Vodafone gives me account credit when their service is down, which means I pay less at the end of the month. Or you bank could give you token amounts of compensation depending on the issue or retailers may give a gift card etc. Obviously only complain about genuine issues.