I put in for hardship allowance today?

You don't receive hardship for the first 14 days, then it is paid in arrears. That means you won't get any money at all for another month.

It can take up to 10 days to process so at this time of the year unless a miracle happens you are probably looking at early 2014. As already stated try to get introduced to your local foodbank, speak to your landlord

and visit your local council who should also be able to help with food vouchers, utility vouchers etc. (When dwp stopped giving out short term loans the need to provide assistance was passed over to all local authorities.)

Don't rely on it coming this side of Christmas as the form needs to go to more than one department. You should ask for vouchers for the nearest food bank and negotiate with your landlord and utilities company re. bills and rent.