Money worries

[Mummypipxx]

Hi mum's, can I ask a question re what help is out there for single mums.. To summerize.. I work part time, four days a week, and I claim UC, but because of my earnings I get a large proportion of what I am entitled to deducted from UC award because of my earnings.. So essentially I get awarded some money towards my rent and I get the childcare element back. But because its all in arrears my salary is used to pay childcare and then bills, council tax, food, petrol, car tax and insurance etc. I am in no way frivolous with money and have always been reasonably good with money up till my situation took a turn for the most. I mostly have been donated second hand clothes from friends for my little girl. I left my exP because of DV, I will be appointed an IDVA shortly. I just am finding it so hard but financially.. My exP is my DDs father, I have applied to CMS and he is due to make a payment towards his daughter from the 1st of every month.. However he's asked for a reconsideration, he was due to make payment today but hasn't. I have to let CMS know in five days time if he hasn't paid but they said the reconsideration takes precedence over missed payment and that it could be up to three months before I get anything from him.. I've also just been told by UC that because I paid for Septembers childcare in the August assessment period I won't get it back till October so I'm minus £600 for the month. I actually don't know how I'm going to cope. My credit card is maxed out and I have an overdraft that I will inevitably go into by end of next week. I'm due to speak to a work coach on Friday from UC regarding the childcare. Is there any other help out there for single mums like me that I'm not aware of. I tried calling gingerbread today but over 30 minutes on hold I just gave up
I'm finding it so so hard and constantly worried every night when I go to sleep. Short of selling a kidney I'm not sure what else to do.. I have no family or friends to ask for financial help it's just literally my daughter and I. And advice would be welcome.

@Mummypipxx

Every nursery my daughter has been to has asked for payment in advance.. I didn't know any kind of nursery billed you after childcare has taken place

One month is always paid up front but surely not up until October?

Not sure if I made sense, sorry if not. But basically I paid Septembers fees in August but won't get back till October.. October's fees will be taken on the 1st October but then I won't get back until 1st November etc. Its only September I had to pay in advance as my daughter is starting a new nursery

Not getting the childcare back in October is essentially what's going to mess things up badly and I'm going to have to play catch up

Hello everyone,

We've had a few 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.

Right now we can't see any evidence to indicate that the OP isn't above board – if we did, we'd remove the thread straight away. But the truth is that, sadly, we at MNHQ can't know with 100% certainty that any poster is genuine, no matter who they are or how long they have been here. As frustrating as it is, we're not able to vouch for anyone here.

So we always ask users 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. Though, we strongly advise against parting with any cash or giving away your personal details, and if you receive a PM which makes you uneasy - report it to us and we’ll take a look.

Sorry to hijack your thread briefly there, OP – we really hope you get it all sorted soon.

flowers

Would you consider a child minder instead of nursery. This will be much cheaper out lay for you. And there are some wonderful child minders out there.

Keep on at CMS. If your ex is on 70 000 one months pay will cover the arrears.