Please help me pay my rent

Hi, I’m Casey.

Over the last month I’ve gone through a breakup which has resulted in me having to lose a place I called home, pack up and start fresh. I’m currently out of work due to mental health issues and claiming Universal Credit. I have been assessed as having limited capability for work because of this, however I do not receive any extra payment for my condition as it hasn’t been deemed “bad enough”.

As we all know, the standard rate is not enough money when you’re getting paid the right amount let alone when there are issues. This month I had to change my claim and having to provide evidence of moving home and updating details, the amount of money I’m receiving this month does not cover my rent or living costs. I don’t have savings to fall on, I don’t have an extra income and I have no luxury items to sell that can make me any extra money. I live a fairly basic life, I don’t go out drinking, I don’t spend money on hobbies, my main outgoing is food to survive. I live pay check to pay check.

I struggle to reach out for help in the best of times and growing up very poor with a mother that possessed a lot of pride, has meant asking for money has never been an option for me. The very thought makes me feel ill and like a charity case. I’ve realised that sometimes when I’m struggling I do need to ask for help and that isn’t a bad thing to do, it doesn’t make me weak or stupid. Everyone goes through rough patches and right now, I’m struggling and I need some help. That help just happens to be in the form of something that makes me deeply uncomfortable but I’d rather be deeply uncomfortable with a roof over my head than be too proud to ask for help and face losing that. I truly wouldn’t be doing this if I wasn’t desperate as it brings me a lot of deep shame and embarrassment.

If you’ve made it reading this far, thank you for your time. Please, if you can spare anything at all, consider a donation to help me. Nothing is too small, everything helps so much.

Thank you so much.