Coping with bereavement during this cost of living crisis
I wanted to share my recent experience, as it may be helpful for others in a similar position.
A dear friend of mine recently passed away, and his widow requested that I be one of the pall bearers during the service (I was his best man at their wedding).
I was honoured; I always thought she didn't like me, but regardless, it was nice to see her honouring her husbands memory and wishes.
They had moved to another part of the country, which meant that I would have to travel and potentially stay overnight if I were to attend the service. I promised her that I would attend, that I wouldn't become another one of the growing list of let-downs.
Wondering how on earth I could get suitably attired, pay for travel etc. I found that one of the criteria for a DWP budget loan is for dealing with bereavement of a family member or friend.
Applying for Universal Credit Budgeting Advance
I called up the 0800 number for Universal Credit, at 1645pm on a Thursday, followed the automated menu (advance payments, budgeting advances, etc.) and was quickly put through to a call centre advisor. They listened to my request with compassion, acknowledging that this may be upsetting for me.
I had calculated that I might need a £250-300 advance. Budgetting advances must be a minimum of £100, up to a maximum of £450.
After taking note of my current circumstances, including the fact that I was not currently paying back any prior advance payment, they put me on hold very briefly.
When they returned, I was told that, whilst overnight accommodation could not be paid for, I was entitled to help with travel costs and an allowance for clothing. The advisor asked whether £200 would be of help to me
I immediately burst into floods of tears, having held in my emotions for the past several days and wrongly believed that my request for help would be turned down.
I received this money in my bank account on the Monday morning following my application, and was able to attend the funeral of my friend and pay my respects to his bereaved family.
Suit shopping on a budget:
Aside from the actual budgeting loan, the other tips I have to suggest are that don't immediately splash out on a brand new three-piece suit. There are plenty of nearly-new suits donated to charity shops. Scope being one example! Whilst a couple of the major charity brands seem to price their items commercially, there are plenty around the £10-£20 mark. Indeed, I managed to find a perfect fit! A two-piece black suit at a Scope charity shop (Glasgow) priced at £9.99. There's in all likelihood a large selection of ties adjacent to these suits for under five pounds.
White shirts are harder to find, I guess these are usually well worn, unlike suits which may only be used occasionally. Primark have a range of slim-fit white dress shirts, priced between £10-£14. You can also get a black tie whilst you're there.
