Financial help when you have nothing

[Meow69]

I have no easy way to put it other than, has anyone got any ideas of how you could get a couple of hundred pounds to last 10 days till I next get paid... I don't live conventionally due to having to be MIA because of abusive family and in turn I am not entitled to any help, I have no credit and I can't get any due to financial abuse in the past and it ruined my credit I am trying to get back. I have my 19 month old son, barely any food in the cupboard, no MOT on my car as I can't afford to go get the test re done, we used diesel heating and I am soon about to run out of that too. Also worried my gas cannister is going to run out on me 😭

I don't know what to do, I can't easily walk to many places and I am worried about running out of fuel and food as if I don't do something I know I will. I don't care if I go hungry but I don't want my son to. I don't even have anything to sell, otherwise I would! I'm desperately trying to make some more money somehow so between wages we don't end up like this... Any ideas that people have would be great because I'm all out and currently want to sit in a corner and cry feeling like a failure 😔

Can’t help with money but most places have a food bank these days.

your local church will know where it is.

many places also have a food pantry where anyone can come and get food.

“paid... I don't live conventionally due to having to be MIA because of abusive family and in turn I am not entitled to any help”

What do you mean by this exactly - are you in receipt of any state benefits?

Why are you not entitled to any help if you have a young child ?? Have you checked online to what you are actually entitled to ?

I would say a couple of hundred pounds can last 10 days but I don't know all your outgoings or lifestyle.

I'd be concerned for the child; you have to put them first OP, and that means engaging with Social Services etc and not "living unconventionally". Remember that Constance Martin lived unconventionally due to her perception of her abusive family and what happened there.

I know that's not what you asked for, but it sounds as if you are deliberately "missing" from the system and as if your child is suffering from the unintended consequences.

More in line with your question, if you have a regular job, you could try asking for an advance.

Can your Council help under whatever hardship schemes it might operate?

To answer some, we live in a motorhome, we're classed as NFA and I do this so we can safely move around without worrying when we need to, I'm not even on any social media to keep us safe. Hence the lack of help. It was physical, emotional and financial abuse from multiple family members and so I left when I got the chance. I work online but they can't help. All I need at this moment really is food and fuel. Where I am you need vouchers for the food bank and I've been unable to get there as it's a long long walk. I've been managing otherwise till I can get the MOT sorted in 10 days. I've had midwives and HV see us in our home no issues but even they said I'd struggle to get help if I ever need any.

Give citizen advice a call- waiting times can be a bit long but I know they help people with emergency gas/electricity and they can refer you to a food bank for food.

Isn't there something the council could do to help you get accomodation, and therefore a more settled environment for you and your son? Not to mention a fixed abode so you can get benefits sorted more efficiently. Maybe somewhere far away from your abusive family members.

Can you use the device you are accessing mumsnet on to contact as or your health visitor?

https://grants-search.turn2us.org.uk/

Try here.

It’s a long shot. But maybe contact the waterways ministry. https://canalministries.org.uk/connect/

they deal with these type of issue with boaters and are incredibly knowledgeable about how to navigate the system when classed as nfa.

Speak to the Dr / health visitor. Ours are good at linking people to local charities that can help

But you sound like you need a more sensible long term plan too

Contact your MP. They can signpost/refer to relevant support.

Your health visitor can issue you a food bank voucher and most would arrange for it to be delivered to you in exceptional circumstances (that’s what my area does anyway).

A couple of hundred over ten days isn’t really that awful tbf.

How much does it cost to get the heating?
Can you do half on heating and half on 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.

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. 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.

This isn't sustainable, so as well as the sticking plaster of food and fuel, you need to find a place to fix your abode so you can apply for the benefits that you and your child are entitled to. There are affordable corners of the UK where your family won't find you and you can build a support network. Talk to Shelter now as a first instance and they'll give you good advice, as will Women's Aid and other charities used to supporting mothers who've suffered abuse. Good luck.

Check the entitled to website to see if you're entitled to universal credit. Being NFA shouldn't stop you if your earnings are low enough. Should be able to get a 1 month advance straight away to pay back over a year if you tell them your circumstances.

Have you claimed child benefit and checked what other benefits you may be entitled to?

Contact your health visitor and if you can’t get hold of them, children’s services - you should be able to find the phone number on the council website. They’ll have a duty phone line you can call.

Are you registered with a GP surgery? They can refer to a food bank. Also HVs, welfare offices. Contact independent food banks / food pantries - some allow self-referral (or certainly would in an emergency) and may be able to deliver.

If you're in south London by any chance, PM me. Person running food bank.

Sorry but some things don't ring true with this.