To ask for help with finances

[DesperateforRugby]

I am so desperate right now.

I've been off sick lately, and have absolutely no money.

I'm a rugby league fan, and it's the semi final tonight (it kicked off at 7.45) and because I've no money I've been unable to watch it.

It's just not fair. I work hard, I raise my kids and I can't even have this one thing for myself.

Holly I know UC is paid in arrears, which means you don't get the money right away.
I wasn't aware there was the option to apply for an advance. No one has ever mentioned that to me, not even the job centre when I went in to see if they could help in any way. Just told me I would have to apply for UC and wait for that to come through if I wanted more help, saying it could take up to 6 weeks to be sorted.
I have 3 kids, I can't go 6 weeks without money.

www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/contact-us/contact-us/help-to-claim/

Maybe the CAB people who do UC that fire mentioned would also know how food banks work in the U.K.?

Do you rent privately or through housing association? Please use the betteroffcalcultor I mentioned

Normally wouldn’t advocate switching to UC but in your circumstances op I think you should. Loan should only take a week. You will still get wages/sick pay and child benefit while you are waiting . Apply the following day after your tax credit payment.

www.betteroffcalculator.co.uk/

Thank you fire I'll take a look.

Sorry if you have already answered this but can your DC's father help with money, does he pay maintenance if you are not together.

But don’t apply at the end of the month or whenever is near your pay date, you don’t want to ever get paid twice in one assessment period.

If rented and not receiving housing costs trough housing benefit already then everyone should be checking if better off on UC.

Plus increased childcare percentage paid

MyDcAreMarvel

Thank you, good advice.

I found this about a U.K. food bank Russell trust. Being sick resulting in only 600 for entire month could count as a valid reason....worth calling especially since you have three kids depending on you.
www.trusselltrust.org/get-help/emergency-food/

How to get help from a food bank

1. Get in touch with your nearest food bank

Either by telephone or email and explain your situation. The food bank will be able to tell you which referral agencies they work with in your area and how you can get a voucher.

Find your nearest food bank

1. Arrange a conversation with the referral agency suggested by the food bank

This is an opportunity for you to explain the difficulties you’re facing, and to access help and support. If helpful, the agency can give you a food voucher.

1. Take the voucher to your nearest food bank centre

Yes you can get an advance. It’s easy to apply online I would highly recommend you do it but if you are not computer savvy you can use CAB as they are paid to help to claim. As I said before look at entitled to website it’s independent but usually pretty accurate

Fire there is more to consider than simply being “ better off” with UC especially couples with a sahm.

Is your income low enough for free school meals too?

Hope that things improve for you and folk on here can give you some info.

Some school staff can make food bank referrals. Some food banks give to anyone, even if they don't meet the trussel trust criteria (there's one I know at a church that if you turn up and aren't eligible for the TT foodbank, the volunteers give you a box of food provided by the congregation).
It is really hard to advise without knowing the area.
I don't think you are meant to live on sick pay. It is a deterrent from daring to be sick. There is an expectation that you have family who will help you out.

I understand the power of spectator sport, it isn't my passion, but I am capable of understanding what a big deal it is!

MyDcAreMarvel

True - people do need to check what the work requirement is. Indeed we would be better off on UC but currently unsure if we want to make switch as when my job ends ( which is a huge juggle) I will have to be looking for work and have young children but on tax credits I don't.

If the same problem crops up when the final is on, are there any pubs nearby which might show it? I suppose you'd have to buy a drink but you could sip a half throughout the match. Cheaper than a tenner.

Looking on the internet the rugby World Cup 2019 is on ITV with the exception of 10 which Will be on ITV4
I believe that you can pay for a TV licence monthly

If you have access to YouTube it will be on there too

You could child mind for a friend who has a TV ?

Candy, give OP a break, you’re really sarcastic, how is that helpful, what happened to women supporting women? It’s not a competition of who’s had it hardest, she’s a single mum of 3 kids and feels worn down, OP I understand how you feel and it’s so disheartening when there’s not even enough spare money for a small treat just to take a bit of pressure off, I truly know that feeling, do you have any support from family or friends?

Eh? I haven't said anything since I said 'fair enough' to the op way up thread!

@0ut0fC0mf0rtZ0ne - I think the current World Cup is Rugby Union, whereas OP says she's a Rugby League fan. I believe there's a difference between the two (but don't ask me what ).

My kids have done minimum wage and low paid jobs when they first graduated and in the holidays. I must admit I was totally shocked that they didn’t get sick pay. I kept insisting that they were mistaken.

I’m mid 50s and I’ve never had a job where you couldn’t just self cert and get paid as normal. I was in a fortunate bubble. It’s a different, harder world now.