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.