Single dad struggling with benefits, baby milk and where to get help

[MyLivelySquid]

I’ve recently became a single dad and as much as I hate to admit it I’m struggling, my son is 2 months old and I feel like I’m failing him. All my benefits have messed up due to going on to a single claim, does anyone know how to get help as I’m low on baby milk and I’ve no food in the house, I don’t care about me eating or not it’s my son that’s main priority! I went to the shops only to see if I could hide anything in his pram but I just couldn’t bring myself to potentially get into trouble and I’m terrified to ring social services in case they take my son, any advice is greatly appreciated

Apply for Healthy Start. Google it online, it's a really easy form, you can use the pre-paid card for formula (and other food once it comes through), its an NHS scheme, so it won't affect your other benefits, or be affected by the fact they are all mucked up at the moment. Then try to get in touch with your Health Visitor. Explain your situation. Asking for help will be seen as a positive. They are not going to remove a baby when the father is so keen to do well, they will do everything they can to support you, including referring you to food banks etc... good luck and apologies if you've had the same advice lots of times over, I haven't gone through all the other replies.

Are you claiming child benefit ?

Look at Olio app
Free food from supermarkets
You need to collect yourself
Share with friends & neighbours or into community free pantry or food banks

The NHS has a Healthy Start Scheme for free formula.
https://www.healthystart.nhs.uk/frequently-asked-questions/

Food bank/ baby bank and contact your social services immediately in regards to getting financial help, they can help and advise in emergencies with zero judgement!! Speak with any GP/ healthcare professional you or your son remain under, to get help with a supporting letter for benefits as soon as possible.

Hope you’re okay, and hope mum gets better too.

Ask in or on your local facebook group. You can adk group sdminsnto do a post for you if you don't want people to know it's you asking. Not for money but if you say you're low on milk, nappies etc people (in my experience) will always help. I always put my sons nappies & clothes on when he goes up a size for free and they go instantly. He was on Kendamil and I had tins left when he no longer needed formula and put them on for free too.

I've not read all the responses but I would speak to your partner's GP if you know where she's registered. Your practice may have a social prescriber who can put you in touch with other agencies who can support you/give you advice on benefits. Your GP may also wish to consider if there are any safeguarding issues/need for perinatal mental health team input +/- social services input. Your GP may be able to refer to an agency who can support you and your partner with bonding/provide mental health support.

I'm really sorry if that's genuinely happening to you. Having a small baby is hugely stressful, nevermind all the other concerns about money and your partner.

Are you ex military (a lot of recovery mechanics are)? If you are, consider help from the army benevolent fund/royal British legion.

He can’t afford to feed his baby how the hell could he afford a live in au pair ?

Most people take an advance when they first claim; in my experience as a benefits caseworker, second advances aren't as easy to get, and definitely aren't quick.

Food banks on Monday
CAB for advice on benefits
Health visitor
your GP or Church

Agree with a previous poster who said a mum leaving her 2 month old baby is more than slightly struggling. I think you need to get the perinatal mental health team and the Health Visitors involved and/or move wherever she needs to be for the next few months. Good luck.

My son applied for a loan a few weeks after he finished paying of the first. And it was in his bank the same day.

Good to hear- I've had several issues trying to support clients with these.
Edited to add a little more clarification: the issue that mainly arises is when a client has earned more than £2600 in the preceeding 6 months before requesting the advance, so hardship or coc like the OP states are often very real but an advance may not be given depending on previous earnings.

@MyLivelySquid

Were you able to get the help you need, OP?

I’m sorry to say that something is not right here.

Why is the baby’s mother not being supported? Surely the OP should want to move back to where they came from to seek support etc. Has she had her 6 week check? Where is the health visitor in all this? The baby should be having their 6 week check and immunizations?
Why are her parents not getting in touch? Your family?

What is the plan going forward? How has it got to the point where there nearly isn’t any milk? A 2 month old baby is going to be getting through feeds very quickly.

I’m really concerned about what’s going on here.