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?

also I’m familiar with UC and don’t think they would give you another loan in these circumstances.

they have a duty of care not to let you get into debt and to make sure any loan is affordable. it would look like you’re in major financial difficulty if you’re taking out back to back loans too - they will look into your request in depth so it won’t be an instant acceptance

If anything, they would refer you to budgeting advice with citizens advice

grants-search.turn2us.org.uk/

There are some grants you might be eligible for - it is worth adding your profession as some are for current and former teachers.

For some instant money to PayPal you can fo surveys with Qmee. I often make £1-2 per day with this & it pays out instantly.

I hope your situation improves.

You're only allowed one advance which is meant for when you first apply and are waiting for your award.

Local councils are obliged to have an emergency fund, quite often it isn’t obvious that they offer it (I worked for my council 30+ years and only found out about it recently, it’s definitely not on their website). Also there’s Turn2Us who can source grants for you, but I don’t know how quickly that would be.

Could you offer online tutoring? Are you allowed to earn up to a certain amount when you are on UC?

What about the father(s) of your 3 children? Any financial help available there? Surely you are getting some kind of child maintenance?

@EmmalineC

What about the father(s) of your 3 children? Any financial help available there? Surely you are getting some kind of child maintenance?

I was just going to suggest the same.

If you are a qualified teacher you should be able to tutor or pick up work in a holiday club etc. Any job is better than none especially when you have many responsibilities.

Do you have any friends you could confide in? I would help a friend in your situation in a heartbeat.

Babybanks are popping up now and I think some are self referral rather than needing a voucher.

So many churches have their own food bank services that are self referral.

Would your GP prescribe oat milk so you don't have to buy it?

@EmmalineC

What about the father(s) of your 3 children? Any financial help available there? Surely you are getting some kind of child maintenance?

I was going to ask this. Also we keep hearing there is a huge shortage of teachers, so surely you could pick that up again?