Finance Problems

lollyandpepper

I have worked continuously since I was 17 and I had a baby un expectantly at the end of last year, I finished my maternity leave and took voluntarily unpaid parental leave, I don't have anyone in my family that is able to look after him and as my employment contract in work is 0-40 hours I knew it was going to be difficult as hours can be very little or ridiculously too much early mornings and nights, I met with my employer to try and sort out some flexibility they told me they couldn't guarantee any hours for me so in-turn finding a suitable childminder and finding the finances to pay for a childminder seems impossible, so I have no option but to stay at home and mind my baby myself, the last 16 weeks we have been depending on my partners small income and this has been really tough and it is just about covering our rent, so we are really struggling to pay bills and getting letters for disconnection, my phone has been turned off, my bins are overflowing, my water bill is still sitting unopened in my kitchen as I can't bear to open it, my UPC is overdue and will be cut off anyway now, banks are chasing my loan arrears, my car has been sitting in the driveway as its untaxed now and I have zero food in the fridge, I use all my spare cash to feed our baby and that's my main priority but it's really come to desperate times when I am emailing for help as I don't know where else to turn to.

I rang citizens information that told me it would be 9.5 weeks to wait if I was eligible for jobseeker's benefit and I broke down as by then I'll probably have no electricity or gas in my home.

For the first time in my life I'm really struggling and I knew things fell when every penny went on caring for my baby but suddenly it seems like it's too much to come back from

I would really appreciate some advice on this matter.

Thank you!

Bunsbun

Go to your local health centre. I think they offer various reliefs outside of social welfare.

Sorry you are going through this.

haveringchick

If ypi and your partner are working combined 19 hours at least per week you csn get FIS.
It will be 60% of the difference between your income and €506.
Or if your partner isn't working or only working part time then he could claim JSA for himself you and baby.

Gatling

I'd get on to Mabs to help with budgeting and if nessesary I'd reach out to your local st Vincents de Paul too.(they can really be help if your genuinely stuck )
Don't ignore upc or esb get in touch with them and try to sort payment plans it will keep the TV Internet and lights on