benefits...

[CheesecakeMonster]

hi, im just wondering if anyone can help me out. we are really struggling for money at the moment, we currently receive no benefits (i have no idea were to even start, hate the thought of applying for them as i would feel really embarrassed and possibly judged ) but things are so hard right now that i think were just going to grab even the smallest amount available to us, now i know we can apply for working tax credits/child benefit but after reading other threads it looks like there is more help available. i would really appreciate anyone's advice. please know aswelll that we would only use these benefits until we are back on our feet. if i could get a job now i would love it but cant for at least another 4months due to having baby +no child care thanks

Have you tried using this benefits adviser tool to check what you could get:
www.direct.gov.uk/en/Diol1/DoItOnline/DoItOnlineByCategory/DG_172666

I think with tax credit there is a childcare element that will pay for your LO to be looked after....sorry not very up on that, sure you can Google it. And how old are your DC? You might also get Healthy Start vouchers if they are very young:

www.healthystart.nhs.uk/

A really good place to start is to run your circumstances though this Online Benefits Checker. It should give you a really good idea what you may be entitled to and where to apply. If you're still unsure, you could try talking to your local branch of Citizens Advice or even your local Job Centre. If you rent your home and you have a low income your local council's housing department will be able to tell you if you qualify for Housing Benefit. It's not wrong to ask for help when you need it.