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Original poster

NC. How to survive 4 weeks on £500?

64 replies

SurvivingTheMonth · 01/02/2023 09:11

I have NC as I've posted this on Facebook too.

Due to being off sick for 3 weeks and only getting SSP, I've only been paid £500 from work for 4 weeks. Was paid on Monday.

Live alone, no children or pets, so just myself but my monthly outgoings are £650 a month! I'm behind on my TV license as it is and owe them £30.

I need around £100 a month for petrol just to get to work. No public transport.

I'm also £11,300 in debt which I basically just pay the interest on each month.

How do I survive 4 weeks on no money? No friends or family to lend me money.

OP posts:
Whatislove82 · 01/02/2023 09:12

On that salary unless you have savings, would you not be entitled to any UC?

dirt · 01/02/2023 09:13

Can you do a UC claim?

Original poster
SurvivingTheMonth · 01/02/2023 09:13

Sorry should have stated, I normally get £1200 a month.

OP posts:
Bemyclementine · 01/02/2023 09:14

Contact your local authority, they will have some sort of scheme in place - where I work they are giving out tesco vouchers, paying for heating oil, etc Try Olio for free food, can you be referred to the food bank?

Bemyclementine · 01/02/2023 09:14

Things like local assistance scheme take weeks, as would UC but you should still claim.

itswednesdayy · 01/02/2023 09:15

UC isn’t a good suggestion. OP would have made a claim too late to get anything from them. UC is paid in arrears. As soon as you claim, you need to serve a 5 week relevant period where they will monitor your income. If you get paid £1200, it will reduce your entitlement.

Lysianthus · 01/02/2023 09:15

If you have a mortgage could you take a three month holiday? If renting same with LL? Speaking to suppliers especially utilities will help and the water companies all have hardship funds. Get GP referred to food banks. Good luck 🤞🏻

Whatislove82 · 01/02/2023 09:16

Going forward, cancel your tv license unless you rely on terrestrial tv

RaininSummer · 01/02/2023 09:18

Would your employer be open to giving an advance on next months wages so that you can at least get to work? Do you have a credit card you can get petrol on and clear in full when paid?

orangegato · 01/02/2023 09:20

DO NOT claim UC. Annually you’ll be over the threshold so would have to pay it all back anyway, and be in more debt. Nope. Speak to all bill providers and explain. Nothing else to suggest as it’s a shit situation, and family that could help?

itswednesdayy · 01/02/2023 09:23

Isn’t there a list of priority debt?

ie housing costs, council tax, utility bills are priority

loan and credit card repayments are low priority

So the main thing you can do is pay all your priority outgoings, and then pay a token amount (even just 1p) towards your debt.

RaininSummer · 01/02/2023 09:24

UC won't work for the reasons given earlier but there is no threshold where you have to pay it back later if entitled at the time . That is tax credits

titchy · 01/02/2023 09:30

orangegato · 01/02/2023 09:20

DO NOT claim UC. Annually you’ll be over the threshold so would have to pay it all back anyway, and be in more debt. Nope. Speak to all bill providers and explain. Nothing else to suggest as it’s a shit situation, and family that could help?

If her usual take home is £1200 a month and she rents she may well be entitled to UC. Worth checking.

NoSquirrels · 01/02/2023 09:32

What are your usual £650 outgoings, OP? Can you list them?

Babyroobs · 01/02/2023 09:32

orangegato · 01/02/2023 09:20

DO NOT claim UC. Annually you’ll be over the threshold so would have to pay it all back anyway, and be in more debt. Nope. Speak to all bill providers and explain. Nothing else to suggest as it’s a shit situation, and family that could help?

Uc is calculated monthly so op would not have to pay anything back but would be unlikely to qualify for anything but is unlikely to qualify going forward as will be paid her full wage next month.

GrazingSheep · 01/02/2023 09:35

Just pay what you can. Prioritise food and heating.

Comedycook · 01/02/2023 09:35

What do you have to pay out of that amount? Rent? Council tax? Food?

JanuaryBlues2023 · 01/02/2023 09:37

Contact the Citizens Advice Bureau for Advice ASAP.

itswednesdayy · 01/02/2023 09:38

Who do you work for? There’s a charity for employees of my company, which offer hardship grants which you can apply for.

you can also search for turn2us, which gives a list of charities that provide financial grants

plumduck · 01/02/2023 09:40

So have you got £75 saved too from petrol you didn't use?

misslonglegs · 01/02/2023 09:43

plumduck · 01/02/2023 09:40

So have you got £75 saved too from petrol you didn't use?

This has to be the most helpful comment

Cuppasoupmonster · 01/02/2023 09:47

GrazingSheep · 01/02/2023 09:35

Just pay what you can. Prioritise food and heating.

This.

My first advice is to take everything out of your cupboards and freezer and do an inventory of what you have so you don’t waste money duplicating. Meal plan from the list so you only need to buy the minimum.

The rest will have to wait.

Anything you could sell? You might instantly think ‘no’ but walk around the house and really look - anything you don’t need but is in good nick, list it. I make about £20-30 a week selling stuff, just old clothes/shoes and house stuff. Could aim to cover fuel this way.

why did you write about this on FB?

Cuppasoupmonster · 01/02/2023 09:48

plumduck · 01/02/2023 09:40

So have you got £75 saved too from petrol you didn't use?

Ahhh the old Captain Hindsight rocking up to kick the OP when they’re down, you can’t beat it can you

Whatislove82 · 01/02/2023 09:49

Cuppasoupmonster · 01/02/2023 09:48

Ahhh the old Captain Hindsight rocking up to kick the OP when they’re down, you can’t beat it can you

Show quote history

No but it is a valid point

Bluebellsand · 01/02/2023 09:55

In my local Borough, there is a discretionary payment you could apply for and they help people in need. Does your Borough offer this?

Some food bank don't need referral but others do. Every little, will help.

My gas and electricity company, help people by taking money later. I think they called it deferring.

First thing to pay is rent, unless you can negotiate a deal with them.