Money worries

[lyssie29]

Hi I've been on income support for a few years after my fiance died. We had a 6 month old and 3 year old and I had no family who was prepared to help do I had to leave my job. My youngest just turned 5 so Ive had to apply for universal credit. I've still got 4 and a bit weeks before I get paid and I've no idea how much I'm going to get. I was hoping for a part time job but that fell through so I'm just trawling through internet looking for jobs only in school hours a d it's tough. On income support I had a budget and it was more or less an £80 ,shop every 2 weeks when I got paid. I tried hard to make to last but sometimes had to get a little too up maybe £10 if I could. However this month Ive had to get an advance and don't have as much. Any tips to make meals stretch further for cheaper? There's the 3 of us to make meals for I don't mind if I have to eat 14p noodles everyday but I want my children to eat well and healthy. Any tips?

If you are over 25 you will get £409.89 for yourself, £281.25 for your eldest child ad £235.83 for your youngest child and then a rent element if you rent. Have you taken the advance payment to tide you over ?

You will actually be better off on Uc for now as you'll benefit from the covid increase I think until next April. If you can find a job then the first £292 of earnings per month ( if you rent) would be completely disregarded before earnings reduce your Uc so you would be significantly better off by finding part time work.

You need a food bank - lots have waived their usual referrals. If you get a bit of help with food costs till your benefits come through that will really make a difference.

Thanks everyone. Yeah I got an advance. Trying to make it last as my bills are all spread weekly due to getting weekly payments before so I'm a bit nervous I'll spend too much accidentally. I'm going to change them to the same date monthly. I didn't consider a food bank but I will see how we are.

Can you take your food money out in cash, or put it in a separate account from your bills account? Lots of people like Monzo for spending as it lets you allocate pots, I think. Then you know exactly where you are once bills money is set aside and no nasty surprises.

For stretching food it’s easier if your kids aren’t too fussy e.g. lentils in a bolognese makes the sauce go much further (freeze the rest for another time), frozen veg is much better value than fresh if you’re worried about food waste, and tinned fruit is brilliant too. Check out cookingonabootstrap.com/

And definitely think about your local food bank - you’re exactly who they want to help.