Money Advice & Help

Sorry I know this may come across as a little tone deaf when there are people in worse situations but I need the advice. I am a single mum to a toddler and recently got allocated a council flat. I work full time but after rent/bills and nursery my salary is just not stretching enough for me to furnish and get the property to a liveable standard. I currently stay in an overcrowded house with family and I’m desperate to get the flat ready and move. I am not entitled to any help or grants or anything (I’ve searched high and low) because of my income. I have terrible credit from when I was a student that I’m currently also working through repaying. Due to this I can’t get anything I need on credit nor can I get any form of credit facility. No one amongst family and friends is in a position to help. Here come the first world problem. I have recently thought about selling some stuff on Vinted. I have a few nice things (clothes and bags) which I am considering selling. This may give me short term financial help however I’ll be back to struggling again the following month only this time with nothing nice to help me feel better about the situation. Would you advise selling these things? Do you have any money making ideas? I work full time mon - fri 9-5 so limited on time. I do overtime when I can.

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Pretty sure once you move your situation changes, if you go to citizens advice they will be able to help you out, even apply, you should be entitled to white goods grant and discretionary housing payment.... If you find out what to do from home, let me know please, I need something extra too lol... My daughter isn't in nursery yet but I'm pretty sure you should be entitled to quiet a bit of free hours in nursery as a single mum

I’m considered having moved out since the start of my tenancy and still nothing. Haha I definitely will. My son gets the free hours but I still have to pay £800 a month for 3 full days. & there’s just no way around the childcare situation. I’m close to stopping work altogether cos it just isn’t making any sense. But I love my job and would really love to stay in work.

Do you claim Universal Credit? Although you work full time you will still be entitled to money because you’re a single parent & they also will then cover 80 or 85% (can’t remember what it is) of your childcare costs plus stuff towards housing. You will also be entitled to a council tax reduction for being a single adult household. X

if you are under a housing association they can help with white goods.. you can get 2 i got a washing machine and cooker.. but they also do fridges.. you have too phone your housing association and they will do the form over the phone.. hope this helps

@paris thank you! I never thought to contact them directly. I spoke to the council and it was a no but will try the housing.

@Shannon thanks, I have just applied! Not too sure I’ll be eligible but I’ll give it a try. Yes I’ve got the council tax deduction but it’s still over £200 a month😭

I’m sure you will be entitled to something. If you do end up claiming UC, your council tax should go down more too x

i hope they can help

Which housing association is it?

Do you have any local "free" sites on Facebook? We have a local one here and so many people are willing to help with offering free items of furniture to help people in need. I know it may not be what you want to start with but it can tide you over and you can change things as you are able in the future 😊

@Someone’s Mom pine ridge housing association x

@Emma thank you, I’ll have a look. X

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