Im a single mum with a 16yr old daughter. ive just finished a law degree but havent had the results so in limbo and cant get a full time job that pays the bills. i volunteer at my local court weekly. i receive child tax cred but cant claim jsa until Uni summer vacation even though im technically finished. my rent leaves me with £9 p/w from my tax creds which mostly get taken by bank to cover interest charges on the last months interest charges so can never get anywhere with that. its been 3 months since my last student loan payment, which had dropped by £1k this final year, even though i had 4 more modules so 4x the books. totally in the deep stuff. have had everything possible cut off/down, sold everything worth having. depressing year to say the least. I found my real dad after 37 yrs and i am too ashamed to talk to him as he may think im only after money hearing all this and i dont want to lie either.
After 3 mths depression ive got my smile back. nothings changed except the debts, but i hit rock bottom when i couldnt afford food and had to send my kid away for a coupla wks. i have a good support network but ashamed to tell them and sick of hearing myself whinging on and on as its depressing. anyway its only a matter of time before things change for the better, they cant get any worse.
so sob story over. i am really proud of myself. im nearly outta the catch 22, NEARLY, still have over £60K debts, uni fees, bank etc but i havent cried recently and provided ive passed my exams, look forward to an exciting career and clearing these debts.
Hello and welcome along, you have worked so very hard which has taken some guts and determination, well done you. I notice in your post that there is a reluctance to ask for any help from anyone, but people would want to help if they knew and may even be cross if you didn't ask. For example, friends could have you round for a meal once a week and your dad will probably be glad of a chance to do something for you, he maybe feels awkward about not having been in touch with you all these years. In other words, sometimes we do someone else a favour by accepting their help, people love to feel needed.
I am guessing you have been into the far end of everything you could claim but you could try our Benefits Expert (click) There is a site called Turn2Us (click) which lists grants and help available but it does take some ploughing through. Don't be shy of applying to your local Food Bank either, so many people use them nowadays. The Trussell Trust can be contacted on 01722 580180. You might also be able to make a bit of cash in hand by walking people's dogs, or doing some babysitting? Just for a few weeks till you are able to claim JSA.
Glad to that you are proud of yourself, you certainly should be