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Original poster

getting a loan

34 replies

Mollylegs · 24/07/2023 17:40

Hi, I am struggling at the moment due to vet bills, I am on universal credit and I need some help to get by at the moment. My dog was poorly and then I nearly killed my cat with the dog medicine. Long story short the PDSA is not free which is fine they are a fantastic service, the only PDSA near me is not actually near me and I had to use taxis to get there and back. I couldn't have taken my dog on 2 different buses when she was bleeding and poorly. So I have looked up provident loans and they no longer exist. I don't have anyone that I could ask for help and when my husband left me he left me with no money at all. I had £2.52 in my bank so I went and signed on and they gave me my money that day as an advance so I know I can't get help there. Please could I not have people saying I shouldn't get a loan, I have no other choice so does anyone know of anything like provident loans that will help people on PIP and UC, thanks in advance x

OP posts:
GrazingSheep · 24/07/2023 17:42

Try to avoid loan sharks.
Have you family or friends who might be able to help? I’m sure if you tell them it’s for your pets they will be able to lend you some money.

Wolfpa · 24/07/2023 17:45

Have you contacted someone like Money helper (formally the money advice service) they will know what is available ( much better than a pay day loan)

Original poster
Mollylegs · 24/07/2023 17:51

Hi @GrazingSheep I do have family but I couldn't ask them for money unfortunately, thanks for being kind though xx

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Original poster
Mollylegs · 24/07/2023 17:52

Hi @Wolfpa no I haven't ever heard of them, I will have a look online to see if they can help me x

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Ohmylovejune · 24/07/2023 17:53

Isn't there a thing through UC where you can get some sort of prepayment which was introduced to stop.people using loan sharks? A bit like the old credit unions (do they even.still exist?). Sorry for all the questions marks as I am just brain dumping ideas from my memory .

Original poster
Mollylegs · 24/07/2023 17:59

Hi @Ohmylovejune I'm not too sure, I haven't heard of it but I know that because my husband left me with practially nothing they gave me a payment then so I can't get an advance from them x

OP posts:
Bookish88 · 24/07/2023 18:03

Provident was absorbed into Vanquis Banking Group. They no longer have a doorstep lending business, but do offer credit cards and loan products, including to those with poor credit history.

Original poster
Mollylegs · 24/07/2023 18:06

Hi @Bookish88 I will have a look into them. I don't have poor credit so hopefully they may be able to help x

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Original poster
Mollylegs · 24/07/2023 18:15

Thank you so much @Ohmylovejune it's been a really difficult time and unfortunately all my funds are pretty much gone, my animals are a part of my family and to be honest my dog has kept me going. Thank you for not judging xx

OP posts:
Overthebow · 24/07/2023 20:06

Do you have a job? You could try asking for a salary advance as a one off.

Original poster
Mollylegs · 24/07/2023 20:09

Hi @Overthebow I don't work, I receive PIP and UC but the last couple of months has crippled me financially, thanks for commenting though x

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Overthebow · 24/07/2023 20:26

Ok if you don't have a job you may struggle to get a loan. Is there anything you could sell?

MrsMoastyToasty · 24/07/2023 20:51

Do you have a credit union locally?

Original poster
Mollylegs · 24/07/2023 21:05

Hi @Overthebow.Just myself but I'd probably have to pay them!!!!!

My phone is broken and I genuinely can't think of anything I have that would be worth selling x

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UndercoverCop · 24/07/2023 21:08

Can you speak to the PDSA? They might allow a payment plan and put something on the next door app to see if anyone will give you a lift to the vet. I picked up a cat for a neighbour on the next street as her daughter who was going to do it broke her ankle the day the cat was in so couldn't drive

Ohmylovejune · 24/07/2023 21:12

Do what is it you need money for before the next UC payment?

Then we can see if mumsnet can find ideas that avoid loans.

Presumably food - can you see if there's a community help centre - They seem to be popping up here and don't require a foodbank voucher. There's the option to see if you qualify for a foodbank voucher.

Original poster
Mollylegs · 24/07/2023 21:13

Hi @MrsMoastyToasty I was just filling out the online form, there is one not too far away. I got stuck at the part where they ask you to upload your bank statements. My phone is completely broken, I spent nearly 2 hours in the apple store It's a bit old and the lad said to get it fixed would be expensive. I don't have any spare money, I'm trying to get the loan that I don't really want to get. I would normally survive on what I get but the last couple of months have been a nightmare. I was wondering if I give them a ring tomorrow if I could just take the documents in. I'm not sure if they will give me a loan as i'm in receipt of benefits. Thanks x

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Original poster
Mollylegs · 24/07/2023 21:19

Hi @UndercoverCop unfortunately I have paid them I would have felt guilty if I hadn't but I might try the car share thing. It was £28 each way in a taxi and I was at the vets 3 times in one week. An absolute nightmare but he's ok now x

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Original poster
Mollylegs · 24/07/2023 21:24

@Ohmylovejune Hi, I have some DD coming out and I will need more food. I got a delivery from a food bank last week, I will check up about any free ones as someone from the DWP told me I can only use the food bank referral twice. British Gas will be taking out £200 soon, then there's all the other DDs, thanks for your suggestion x

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Ohmylovejune · 24/07/2023 21:38

So how much credit do you have with BG? Can you reduce that this month?

Do you have access to any overdraft on your bank account to avoid fees for failing direct debits, even though interest will be payable.

What are "all the other direct debits "?

Look into community cupboards.

Are you allowed to work on UC. Can you pick up a summer job say cleaning holiday property? They are usually desperate for people on Fridays and Saturdays.

When is your next UC income?

Overthebow · 24/07/2023 21:58

How many direct debits do you have? There can't be that many surely.

Original poster
Mollylegs · 24/07/2023 22:20

Hi @Overthebow I have £388 in DD per month. Most of them are on a contract so I can't cancel. It might not seem like much but I could do without them. I don't go out and I don't smoke or drink, I've just had a really bad couple of months, normally I can manage on the funds I get. My next UC isn't due till the 10th of August x

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Original poster
Mollylegs · 24/07/2023 22:26

Hi @Overthebow I just realised I didn't answer all your qwestions. I don't have an overdraft and I'd have to ring BG to see if they can help. I'be never ever not paid one of my DD. I have a good credit score and at the moment making sure everything is paid on time x

OP posts:
Mamofteenager · 24/07/2023 22:43

I know this doesn't answer your question about loans but in terms of food etc download the Olio app, it's free food to prevent waste, look at local churches/community centres they often have cheap/free lunches etc and their own version of a food bank which you can use more than twice.

Also I'm glad your dog is on the mend