Are there any charities which help young families in need in the UK?

Question

My partner is on minimum wage, we have a baby son and I'm not working due to childcare issues.

We really need some help - we are struggling so badly for money (we have £2 left to last the week on!), we need to buy things for the baby and also my partner is desperately trying to find a way to pay for his training expenses so he can hopefully get out of min wage work and into something better paid.

We're not eligible for the limited help the Government offer - its all for single mums and the unemployed. We can't get a Career Development loan as we have a poor credit rating. The ILA is only £100 for someone who is working (even if low paid) and his training costs would be £500.

I feel ashamed to be reduced to this - I am educated but have never found my degree helped me get a job and we are getting desperate.

Which charities might be prepared to help a young couple (not a single mum) who are working and not scrounging but are just not being given a break?

Our tax credits have been cut down to virtually nothing due to an overpayment last year - we are getting less than half what we are entitled to. We do not get Council Tax Benefit as my partner is working and we do not get Housing Benefit as we have an interest only mortgage - we don't rent. We pay £480 pcm for mortgage and council tax and my partner only earns £800 pcm per month!

Justtrying . . thanks a lot - sadly none of those benevolent funds apply to us as none of out families are ex miners or forces). We've already tried all the other things you advise and found they are a dead end for us, but I will contact the Salvation Army about baby equipment. We have a branch locally.

I mean none of our families were in any profession covered by these charities - we tried this last year and hit a dead end.

Answer 1

Make sure you are getting all the Tax Credits you are entitled to, also apply for housing and community charge benefit, you may not get much but any you do get should help.

Good luck and hope all goes well for you.

Talk to your local MP, and put an appeal into the Inland revenue about the overpayment, talk to your local CAB about the overpayment also.

Answer 2

This is what makes me so angry with the Government, a couple who are doing everything right and can't get any help. Of course, as you say, if you were a single mother you would be showered with benefits. Are you eligible for family tax credit? Perhaps you could contact the benefits office or citizens advice bureau for some assistance in finding someone to help you. Alternatively, is is possible you could get a part time job, say on the weekend so you partner could look after the baby. Working on a sunday is good as often you get double pay or time and a half. I am thinking retail as this is the time of year that the big shops, Next etc are taking on additional staff - I know with a little one it is hard but it is a good time to make money - perhaps you could get family or friends to help babysit. Good luck to you.

Answer 3

I know you say you dont want help from the government - but have you tried family working tax credit? My advice would be to go to your local welfare rights officer (through social work or council) they will go through everything with you and tell you any loopholes etc which may entitle you to claim some benefits you dont know about. They are very good and know there stuff I am sure they will be able to find something and they even fill out the claim forms for you.
I am not sure about charities - but will look into it.

Answer 4

Make a list of your income, and outgoings....go back to the benefits department dealing with your claims and ask them to review it. You may be eligible for a 'hardship' loan. In the meantime, contact your local Citizens advice Bureau, and try your local Salvation Army You shouldn't feel ashamed about your situation! At least you're trying.....there are so many scoungers out there who are fraudulentlyclaiming hundreds every week! It makes me so mad! Good luck, and let us know how you get on!

Answer 5

you should make sure you claim both child and working tax credits (assuming your partner is working more than the required hours to claim) http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/menus/credits.htm

if he does a college course and you are claiming working tax credit with income below approx £15,500 he will get reduced (probably free) tuition fees and can also apply for financial support for learners for help with travel costs, books, essential equipment, exam fees etc.

you will also get help with health costs and access to things like legal aid.

there are lots of charities out there, my best advice would be to visit your local citizen's advice bureau. they will have the directory of grants for people in need, as well as information on local projects which may be able to help http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/
the salvation army offer baby equipment on loan to low income families in some areas. but you really need some advice locally so they can tell you of projects in your area.

also if either your, or your partner's parents were in the forces or mining, or many other careers, there are loads of benevolent funds which may be able to help you, try http://www.joblinks.org.uk/ to search for one

i hope this helps you x

Answer 6

Its no longer in common terms from Africa this week the police in Slough broke a significant toddler trafficking ring and those infants have been from Romania. countless the youngsters have been offered to those in fee some have been taken and their dad and mom have not any thought the place they're. What makes me maximum offended is the dad and mom and kinfolk individuals international extensive who for the only reason of desiring some funds sell their infants into slavery. i for my section can't placed into words what i think. yet all criminal structures seem the comparable they gets a smack on the hand and advised how undesirable they're and the youngsters are handed from pillar to post in care thinking what in the international they did incorrect. i do no longer understand how we are able to help yet basically report something suspicious which you notice.

Answer 7

Under government rules you must have a certain amount to live on and not sure what that is.You may look at your incomings then list your outgings.Should the discrepency be large then contact your Benefits office.But it appears you are bad managers of your affairs and you must sit down and find ways to live better than you are.

Answer 8

Hi, have a look at this website:
http://www.guidestar.org.uk/?gclid=CKP_45btko8CFQlWMAodPU5eVw
It has a list of many UK charities and a forum too.Really hope you can get some help.There seems to be help like Gingerbread for single parents, but not for couples from what I can see.It's worth you trying that site though.Best of luck.x

Answer 9

Try your local Citizens Advice Bureau : given what they do, they may be able to point you in the right direction.

Good luck with it all.

Answer 10

www.barnados.org.com

good luck

when this does not work
go to your local Church
The Vicar will give you money