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Original poster

Universal Credit

12 replies

TeresaDxon · 21/04/2019 23:32

Hey everyone. I've recently been transferred from ESA to universal credit. I get my first payment friday but we dont have anything foodwise in at all. The cupboards are empty and my family is hungry. Does anyone know if i can get them to pay it a little early? I have mental health issues so this is impacting my day to day as it is :(

OP posts:
ForeverBubblegum · 21/04/2019 23:59

Sorry to hear your struggling. I don't think they will pay it early, but you might be able to get an advance. It works like a loan and they will take repayments out of future UC payments.

Otherwise it might be worth trying to get a food bank referral, you could ask either your health visitor or some schools can refer. I know that no one wants to have to use those kind of services but they exist to help people in situations like this, so won't judge you. Most of the people running them are really friendly.

Also I know you say that you don't have any food in, but if there are any odds and ends of ingredients it might be worth listing them hear. Mumsnet can be great at coming up with recipes for odd bits you wouldn't have thought could make a meal.

Babyroobs · 22/04/2019 01:00

No they won't pay it early - did you not take the advance?

Gingerkittykat · 22/04/2019 01:15

Did you take out the advanced payment when you made your claim? If not you can have it now, but it will need to be paid back.

Local councils now do emergency welfare provision, which varies by area. Some provide cash, some food bank vouchers and fuel vouchers. Google and see what your council offers.

Original poster
TeresaDxon · 22/04/2019 12:29

I thank you all so much for replying to me. Im quite gutted that they wont pay it early. I had the advance 4 weeks ago but i had to pay £728 rent. I literally have no odds and ends, even to the point of eating peas on its own. I rang the money smart team 3 times about food parcel but no one calls back. Im sure i will struggle through somehow. Thank you all so much anyway, god bless x

OP posts:
Gingerkittykat · 22/04/2019 12:58

Keep trying, phone your local CAB to find out what is available in your area. You and your children should be eating.

boilersontheblink · 22/04/2019 13:14

@TeresaDxon Incase this happens again go to Lidl/Aldi & stock up on cheap canned foods, jars, pasta, oats, frozen veg & fruit etc so you'll always have enough for a week if you need it.

UC is notoriously bad for not paying on time sometimes or messing up payments so you'll need to be prepared.

As for now, maybe a local church? Do you not have any friends or family you can get a tenner or £15 from and pay back on Friday? That should do you till then.

Another (though admittedly crap option) is to take out a small loan then pay back immediately on Friday.

NorthEndGal · 22/04/2019 13:19

Do you have a food bank locally?

Roomba · 22/04/2019 13:20

You should be able to apply for a UC Advance right now if your claim has been awarded but you haven't been paid yet. You can do it online via the UC portal - it may be under 'Payments'? You'll get a message stating that loans usually take 3 days or so to sort out, but there's another link to click if you cannot wait that long. Click that, and you should be able to select how much to borrow etc. I did this when I needed it and had the money in my account within two minutes - I was amazed at how fast and efficient it was compared to the old Crisis Loan system! You can only do this once before your first payment/before any change of circs increases your payments in future and it will be deducted monthly from your UC.

Roomba · 22/04/2019 13:21

Oh bollocks, you already had the advance. That'll teach me to RTFT sorry!

TeaForTheWin · 22/04/2019 13:29

I'd say hit a food bank asap.

Or sell something on ebay? If you have something you think will sell quite quick then the money should come through to paypal as soon as it sells, then it takes 2 hours to transefer from paypal to your bank and then you can go food shopping. Of course you need something to sell first and you need to keep some money back in order to post it. But its a good way to get quick dosh...and it shouldn't interfere with your pay...I think. Certainly not if you don't tell them about it anyway xD

Original poster
TeresaDxon · 22/04/2019 17:20

Thank you everyone for your advice, i managed to sell something and got £10. I really appreciate your advice x

OP posts:
rebail · 24/04/2019 23:05

I'm sorry to hear about your situation. I'd also speak to your children's school in case they know of anything. Children's services also often have access to emergency food parcels that they can give you. Were you found fit for work? Are you challenging the decision? Do you get PIP?

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