I’ve hit rock bottom and nowhere to turn

[Jenmarie85]

I’m at the lowest point of my life right and I have nobody I can turn to. Tax credits have left me in an impossible situation. They’ve suddenly lowered my child and working tax to £27 a week because I earned more than what I estimated last year apparently so now I’m paying off a massive over payment. My wages weren’t the best this month as I had to go on the sick for two week after my Nan died and I really struggled to deal with it so lowering my tax credits couldn’t have come at a worse time. The £27 I got on Wednesday had to be split between has electric and food for my little girl. I don’t understand how they expect me to live on that. Even on a good month my wages aren’t the best and by the time I’ve paid my rent, council tax, gas, electric and shopping I’m pretty much left with nothing so tax credits is my lifeline and now that’s been taken from me. I now have nothing until Wednesday. I’ve gone without proper food and lived on toast since yesterday morning so my little girl can eat but now my food has ran out and my gas and electric will go in the morning as it doesn’t run out at weekends luckily. I’ve filled out the form for tax credits to tell them that paying back the overpayment is leaving me in financial hardship but I won’t get a response from them until the 25th June. In the mean time is there anywhere I can get a food bank voucher from or something today?? Ive tried ringing local council and citizens advice and they’re obviously shut today. I’m literally at breaking point. I’m so sorry for the long post

Hiya. Tax credits have also reduced mine by £200 a month as they were provided with a higher income by my employer. I've had to declare my pension contributions following my declaration so whilst it's not been processed they are proceeding on the basis that I have been overpaid so are collecting it back. It's crippling me as with all my other bills and the debt repayments of the ex's we have been left with, and this is no joke, £10 for the month so I am having to rely on my family and credit card. I hate it, especially as I know their actions are not correct but I just have to accept it is what they do.

Do you know if you have been overpaid for the last year, so are they due the overpayment back? Or is it like mine where the change is pending declaration?

I am so sorry for how things are for you. I know how you feel x

Churches will be open now and can give food bank vouchers as can school tomorrow. Hope thi gs get better for you soon

If you aren't sure and you want help working it out pop me a private message.

I'm sorry that doesn't help things immediately, but it may give you some comfort that it will be temporary. X

Thank you for replying. Looks like I’ve definitely been overpaid. My tax credits is renewed automatically and it says that if I have no changes to report then they payments I’m getting now will be what I can expect to be paid. I don’t see how though. I haven’t worked no more or no less than I have done previous years but all of a sudden I’m earning too much. I’m on national minimum wage to so I’m not sure how they work it out. I’m pretty sure they just put numbers into a computer and come up with anything. It’s literally not even worth working these days.

I never thought about churches. Thank you so much x

Have you had your declaration?

How many hours a week are you currently working?

Is there no possibility of increasing your hours in your current job or taking on a second job?

Unfortunately not. I’m already contracted to 30 hours and at the minute there’s no extra hours to work at the moment. My employer doesn’t allow us to have an extra job as it requires us to be flexible. Another job wouldn’t work anyway as I’m a single parent.

Have you got any family or friends who can loan/give you some pasta etc just to keep you going until you can get to a good back? I'd help a friend if they asked.

Good luck x

*food bank

So sorry you're having to deal with this, if I lived near you I'd definitely want to help with some emerging supplies. Roughly where in the U.K. are you? I'm hoping someone can help, it might be worth seeing what's on your Mumsnet local section? I don't know if local food banks run by churches or charities that don't need vouchers are open today but it's worth googling what's in your area. Do you have any family or friends that could help or if not a neighbour? Hang in there op you'll get through this

I agree with getting in touch with family and friends
Is your dds dad on the scene?

Thank you so much for the lovely replies. I’ve managed to lend £10 off my brother which will definitely help for the next couple of days and I’ve had some amazing advice in regards to the tax credits situation. I felt better just getting it off my chest as I generally can’t speak to anyone else. Thank you all again xx

Glad you're feeling a little better. I hope things ease up soon.

Never feel like you have nowhere to turn. Contact Christians Against Poverty - they are amazing.

If you have a ISIKON near you they offer free food.

Hello everyone

We've had a number of reports from people concerned about this thread so, as we usually do in these circs, we're putting our heads round the door with some important reminders.

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.

OP, over the years, Mumsnetters have offered invaluable advice to those in financial crisis. We've compiled some of the very best resources based off of their posts. Please to take a read here.

We hope you get it all sorted soon.

Don't just turn up at any church, they don't give out food unless they are a food bank which will have published hours. If you have a sikh gudwara they offer free lunches to all (vegetarian) usually daily. I work for a church and the only edible thing in the building are the wafers for communion

Glad you were able to borrow a bit from your brother and that you're feeling a bit better, hopefully you can get more help and advice from the appropriate places when they re-open tomorrow x

OP don't forget to raid any old loytalty cards for points. Tesco Clubcard, Nectar Card - even boots advantage card might be able to swap in store for a sandwich or some crisps?

Another lady in a thread recently found an old gift voucher in a drawer and was able to exchange it for £10 to spend at Iceland (I think the voucher could be spent there but even if it's specific to one shop, sell it on FB marketplace for cheaper!

Anything you can pop on FB marketplace to earn a bit of instant cash? What about clothing you/DD no longer wear? If you have anything lying around you can make up little bundles and sell them for a few ££. Also, books and toys that aren't played with anymore. A quid here, two quid there can add up.

Good luck x