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[robert_harper_2000]

My brother has recently found out he has Huntingtons disease. He was an training accountant but has since been medically retired due to his condition. He has no assets except his car and currently rents a flat. He hasn't ever and isn't currently claiming any benefits which I think we will need to sort out. But he is very worried about these debts... would we look at IVA, going bankrupt. It is a extremely tough time and this isn't helping.
Cheers

[imindebttoo]

Hi robert

I'm sorry to hear of your brother's situation. I'd suggest you take some professional advice and talk to one of the free debt advice services such as CCCS or Payplan. I know for a fact that the latter have a department for debt cases that require special attention - which I believe this case warrants given your brother's illness and I'm sure the CCCS do to.

As you probably know, both CCCS and Payplan have websites through which you can contact them.

It may be wise to take face to face advice at a local Citizens Advice Bureau - they can give debt advice where they can - but also welfare advice about relevant benefits your brother may be entitled to - as well as any additional local support.

Hope this helps

IIDT

[robert_harper_2000]

I know previously regarding a different issue I've tried to speak with Citizens advice and can never actually get seen. I'll take a look through CCCS and Paypal, it isn't easy to help as it is such a difficult time. Appreciate your advice, cheers

[imindebttoo]

You're welcome Robert

You may already be aware of these services - but found this page for your area which may help you find alternative local assistance. CABs are often over-stretched unfortunately - as far as I undertstand it - they receive no Government funding

http://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/inde...quest=c1000950

(oh sorry - it's Payplan - not Paypal - doubt the latter will help you very much )

IIDT

[fatbelly]

Originally Posted by robert_harper_2000

My brother has recently found out he has Huntingtons disease. He was an training accountant but has since been medically retired due to his condition. He has no assets except his car and currently rents a flat. He hasn't ever and isn't currently claiming any benefits which I think we will need to sort out.

Hi

The priority is to sort out income and secure his accomodation.

He can stop paying the non-priority debts until this is sorted. He needs to claim Income Support immediately (Housing Benefit/Local Housing Allowance and Council Tax benefit will follow) then have a look at a DLA claim. The CAB should be helpful here - most bureaux have benefit specialists and debt specialists - try again with them.

Don't rush to bankruptcy because this will play better if he has a mobility award of DLA.

[dancingfairy]

You could always try National Debtline for help and advice.
df

[robert_harper_2000]

I think the benefits are awkard to fill in as it asks sensitive questions that he is coming to terms with and doesn't want to accept. Also the condition deteriotes so what isn't good now ... well you know what I'm trying to say. But we will perhaps fill it in with him, what needs to be done, so you would think be best to get that sorted out and then look at his debts. It's horrible as he is worrying a lot about what his debts are going to mean and what will happen etc

[fatbelly]

Have you discovered the HDA factsheets?

http://www.hda.org.uk/hda/fact-sheets.php

[i1189]

If your brother was training with ICAEW (chartered accountancy), they have their own benevolent association (www.caba.org.uk) which may be able to help.

[robert_harper_2000]

Thanks, I never heard of CABA before. I hardly want to think about this situation let alone talk about it over the phone! But I want to help him and take away some of his stress so I appreciate your help