What do I do

[needadvice29]

My life has completely turned upside down with DH and me separating and me alone with 3 children.

• signed onto UC for the first time a few months ago
• returned to work

Problem

• I got support from a fund for help with the first childcare payment, because my statement date I don't get a full refund from UC this month only partial. Combined with 1st April meant fees in the Nursery went up quite a lot at the same time.

I'm short nearly 900. I need the nursery so I can work but if I pay the nursery I've no money at all left for food or bills. What do I do it's a trap.

Speak to nursery, explain and ask for a payment plan spread out.

Did you take an advance from UC?

If not, do that. It may not cover the full £900 but it will help.

Yes I already got an advance because it was just before Christmas and I was left completely penniless

I checked their policies there does not appear to be payment plan thing at all and they hit you with charges and fees for non payments also

Our work has a hardship fund and will advance wages

Zero interest credit card just to tide you over in the short term? Family and friends? Or will your ex help out?

Advance on wages?

I get paid tomorrow I'm using my wages to cover the payment I work part time. My credit rating is poor I tried to get a payday loan type thing and can't even get that.
Thanks for the suggestions.

Contact CAB

Ignore the policy and just speak to the manager. It’s a one off situation and if you’ve always paid before hopefully they’ll help - it will depend on their financial position.

This is the second payment to the nursery because the first was paid for by advisory fund. Why is this so difficult the system is set up so poorly. I just want to work

I'd ring up UC and explain and ask for a further short term loan to cover child care fees. Also tell them if you can't pay this bill they won't take your DC and you won't be able to work.

ask for a budgeting advance, it’s different to the new claims advance, £812 if you have a child