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See all MNHQ comments on this thread

Original poster

Can’t afford anything.

32 replies

Nicole94 · 07/03/2018 19:34

Hi. Me and my partner are having some money issues and I just wondered if anyone could give me some advice. I work full time as a carer. However, I am on minimum wage and only take home around £830 a month. My partner has recently lost his job so we have no other income. On Friday, I got paid and some bills that were due came out of my account. However, I owe £168 in council tax tomorrow and only have £1.27 in my bank account. I also need money for travel over the next month. I have no overdraft and have asked friends and family for help but they cannot help me. I cannot get a loan as my credit score isn’t good enough due to me never having any credit card/loan. What should I do!?!? This is really worrying me Confused

OP posts:
JoJoSM2 · 07/03/2018 20:53

What about your partner? Hasn't he got any savings or can't he borrow money from somewhere? Council tax will need to wait as you haven't got enough money.

Could you do overtime? Also, are you sure you get the minimum wage? Your earnings and working full time don't add up unless you're a teenager.

RandomMess · 07/03/2018 20:58

You need to apply for benefits pronto for a start. Do you rent?

Babyroobs · 07/03/2018 21:24

Has your partner applied for Job seekers allowance or Universal credit. if he has worked over the past few years then he should be able to claim the contributions based one. Then look at working tax credits and housing benefit.

H0ttert0day · 08/03/2018 10:30

Agree he needs to apply for job seekers or Universal credit now, benefits cannot be back dated

Original poster
Nicole94 · 08/03/2018 11:32

My partner is claiming universal credit. However, we don’t get that for another week. And i am only 18 so I am on £7.05 an hour working 3 12 hour shifts a week that’s why I don’t get much

OP posts:
ChaChaChaCh4nges · 08/03/2018 11:35

Could your boyfriend work shifts as a carer?

bluenails2002 · 08/03/2018 11:35

Ask dwp for a new claim advance on your universal credit, you can do this as long as you haven't had a payment of universal credit yet

H0ttert0day · 08/03/2018 11:52

Can you ask for some extra shifts ? Are extra shifts paid at normal time or any extra time ?

HRTpatch · 08/03/2018 11:53

Is that just a months council tax?

RedSkyAtNight · 08/03/2018 12:31

Your take home pay still sounds low on the figures you've posted. Are you paying large pension contributions? Are you on the right tax code?

43percentburnt · 08/03/2018 12:33

Does your payslip have tax code BR on it?

JoJoSM2 · 08/03/2018 12:47

Also, is your partner applying for jobs like mad? Has he tried any temporary work agencies? Often they have jobs that can be started in a day or two and it isn't long till the first pay check comes in.

Luckyme2 · 08/03/2018 12:54

Is your boyfriend living with you? When did he lose his job? Has he had any benefits advice yet?

Luckyme2 · 08/03/2018 12:58

As a starter speak to someone about council tax benefit maybe? That seems quite a high amount of council tax and it usually runs April to April unless you've already come to some sort of arrangement with them?

AdoraBell · 08/03/2018 13:53

You need to speak to the council tax office, don’t just not pay it and hope for the best. I know that’s not what you are planning to do. But let them know you are struggling, and find out if the figure is correct as it does sound high.

Obviously check all the other things that have been suggested.

Original poster
Nicole94 · 08/03/2018 13:54

My partner lost his job at the end of January as we moved into our new home on the 2/2. I cannot get extra shifts as I have tried

OP posts:
TalkinPeace · 08/03/2018 14:07

Phone the council and tell them ..... they will be able to have a little bit of flex as its only a part year rather than normal arrears.

pigshavecurlytails · 08/03/2018 14:45

And, having looked at other threads, I'd suggest that maybe now isn't the time to TTC if you're only 18, things are so tight and your mental health is fragile?

Cowardlycustard2 · 08/03/2018 16:25

Your take home pay sounds about 200 pounds per month short. You are able to earn 11500 tax free per year. You can check what you should be taking home on the listen to taxman website. Can you contact universal credit to request an emergency payment /advance?

MNHQ
YetAnotherHelenMumsnet · 08/03/2018 16:30

Hi everyone, sorry for barging onto the thread.
Just to say, we always ask everyone to remember that not everyone on the internet is who they say they are - and remind folk not to give more to another poster, either financially (in cash or gifts) or emotionally (in time or care and support) than they'd be prepared to lose if things went wrong.

Viviennemary · 08/03/2018 16:33

As you are only eighteen would going back to live with your parents be possible in the short term. Not many people of 18 can afford to live independently on what they earn. You need to telephone the Council Office and tell them you can't pay your Council tax this month. And in any case I thought Council tax if you opt to pay monthly is paid in 10 payments over 10 months therefore you won't in effect be due to make a payment in March.

Or you can ring your bank and see if an overdraft is possible.

bimbobaggins · 08/03/2018 20:32

Agree with pigs. If you can’t afford anything at the moment you will afford even less with a baby

Viviennemary · 08/03/2018 20:38

I can't see anywhere on this thread where OP has said she is ttc.

pigshavecurlytails · 08/03/2018 21:46

@Viviennemary other very recent threads

Viviennemary · 08/03/2018 21:55

OK. thanks Pigshavecurlytails. Doesn't seem too wise under the circumstances.

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