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CAB Advice

nat87
nat87 Posts: 64 Forumite
in Debt-free wannabe
Hi all
I am unemployed and need to sort out my debts while I have no income coming in, so I phoned my local CAB office to make an appointment and I can't get an appointment for 4-5 weeks. Really need to sort something out, is there anything I can do myself e.g. send creditors letters or is there any other help out there. I would be grateful for your advice. Thanks:o
«1

Comments

  • immoral_angeluk
    immoral_angeluk Posts: 24,506 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Have you applied for any out of work benefits yet? Such as job seekers allowance or income support?
    Total 'Failed Business' Debt £29,043
    Que sera, sera. <3
  • nat87
    nat87 Posts: 64 Forumite
    Yeah I have applied for jobseekers allowance, I think that is all I am entitiled to. Really can't afford to live on just that. I am hoping to be working in 4-5 weeks fingers crossed, I am doing all I can to find a job signing up with all the agencies and applying for lots of jobs. Just worried about paying each month for these debts.
  • immoral_angeluk
    immoral_angeluk Posts: 24,506 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    nat87 wrote: »
    Yeah I have applied for jobseekers allowance, I think that is all I am entitiled to. Really can't afford to live on just that. I am hoping to be working in 4-5 weeks fingers crossed, I am doing all I can to find a job signing up with all the agencies and applying for lots of jobs. Just worried about paying each month for these debts.
    What are you household circumstances? Do you rent/own.. .any dependants living with you?
    Total 'Failed Business' Debt £29,043
    Que sera, sera. <3
  • 10past6
    10past6 Posts: 4,962 Forumite
    Hi Nat

    You could send the following letter, until you manage to sort something out, at least it will allow you some breathing space.

    Your Address

    Creditor Address

    Date


    Dear Sir/Madam
    Re:− Account/Reference Number ACC NO

    I am sorry I am unable to pay the original monthly payments because [YOUR PERSONAL CIRCUMSTANCES]. At present, I'm seeking advice from [DEBT CHARITY / CAB, I have discovered that I have disposable income of XXX. Since I have £XXXXX total debt, your share of this pro-rata offer is £XXX.

    Please find enclosed the first payment, and I also request that you send me a paying in book / account information so I can make further payments monthly.

    Also, could you please consider using your discretion to freeze any interest or charges that might accumulate, which I am aware is the standard practice for socially responsible companies such as yourself.

    Yours Faithfully

    XXXX (type, don’t sign)
    Click here for Martins (MSE) advice on who to contact with Debt Issues - YOU HAVE NO REASON TO USE A FEE PAYING DEBT MANAGEMENT COMPANY- THEY CANNOT DO ANYMORE FOR YOU THAN THOSE LISTED IN MY LINK ABOVE.

    All information given by myself is offered informally and without prejudice - if in doubt seek help from a qualified and insured professional
  • nat87
    nat87 Posts: 64 Forumite
    I am renting at the moment me and my boyfriend go halves on all the bills.
  • immoral_angeluk
    immoral_angeluk Posts: 24,506 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    nat87 wrote: »
    I am renting at the moment me and my boyfriend go halves on all the bills.
    Is your boyfriend working? Put in a claim to your local council for housing/council tax benefit as well.
    In the meantime you need to contact your creditors and explain to them whats happened and try and agree some kind of temporary payment such as £1 a month until you're back on your feet, such as in 10past6's template letter.
    Total 'Failed Business' Debt £29,043
    Que sera, sera. <3
  • nat87
    nat87 Posts: 64 Forumite
    Thanks for your advice, do you know where I could find all these template letters.
  • immoral_angeluk
    immoral_angeluk Posts: 24,506 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    nat87 wrote: »
    Thanks for your advice, do you know where I could find all these template letters.
    Here's a bit of reading material for you.
    http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/index/life/debt/help_with_debt.htm#negotiating_with_creditors
    The letter posted by 10past6 is good. Just make sure you mention about your current circumstances. Creditors will also ask to see a financial statement.
    Total 'Failed Business' Debt £29,043
    Que sera, sera. <3
  • 10past6
    10past6 Posts: 4,962 Forumite
    immoral_angeluk wrote: »
    Creditors will also ask to see a financial statement.
    You're under NO legal obligation to send the information, it's your decision whether you choose to or not.
    Click here for Martins (MSE) advice on who to contact with Debt Issues - YOU HAVE NO REASON TO USE A FEE PAYING DEBT MANAGEMENT COMPANY- THEY CANNOT DO ANYMORE FOR YOU THAN THOSE LISTED IN MY LINK ABOVE.

    All information given by myself is offered informally and without prejudice - if in doubt seek help from a qualified and insured professional
  • immoral_angeluk
    immoral_angeluk Posts: 24,506 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    10past6 wrote: »
    You're under NO legal obligation to send the information, it's your decision whether you choose to or not.
    Granted. But if you don't it's unlikely that creditors will accept any payment plan.
    Total 'Failed Business' Debt £29,043
    Que sera, sera. <3
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