Seriously frazzled new mum

Peachyjo

Hi there
I was hoping someone could advise me on financial difficulties I am experiencing.
Basically whilst working full time and then a breakdown in my long term relationship after the birth if my first son I accrued alot of debt in order to live (not living the high life)
When I returned to work (only part time due to having a small child) I didnt really manage to keep up the minimum repayments on the lending.
I have now just given birth to my second son and now find myself in the position where I am not able to pay anything towards these debts as I am receiving a paltry amount maternity pay.
Some of these debts have now been passed to debt recovery companies and I would imagine I am not far off being served ccjs.
I have not yet put a claim in to reclaim bank charges but have worked out I am entitled to alot back which would make a big difference to clearing these debts. I have wondering firstly if I could put a bank charge reclaim letter in and show then by not having the money repaid is causing substantial hardship and secondly should I write to the debt recovery agencies explain the situation I am in along with a VERY SMALL token payment and try to reach some sort of solution with them. I hate to say it but if i am unable to get some of the bank charges back to pay off some of the debt I am very likely to have to go bankrupt.
If anybody has any info to offer I would appreciate it very much - My baby is only 2 wks old and I am already not getting enough sleep without worrying about money and balliffs banging on the door to take my stuff.

blondescorpio

Congratualtions on the birth of your son!
Have you told HMRC about having another child to increase tax credits and child benefit?
Are you a homeowner? If so have you looked into asking DWP about help with mortgage? Or council tax benefit? Just to ease the pressure a bit.
I would do your SOA and write to debt collection agencies with a token payment of what you can afford and ring CCCS or Payplan for some advice.

ajaney

Hi

Just really saying the same as the previous poster:

1) Sit down & work out your SOA (Statement of Affairs) - theres a useful one at www.makesenseofcards.com. If you want to post it on here for suggestions from other members on ways to save, use the format for MSE button.

2) Avail yourself of the excellent FREE service provided by CCCS on 0800 138 1111. They will be able to advise you about the possibility of a Debt Management plan but you will need an SOA worked out before you take to them (see point 1)

3) Check your benefit levels - are you getting all you're entitled to?

4) Get the Bank charges claim in - I havent done one of these as have managed to steer clear of charges but I'm sure other members will be happy to help/advise about this.

kazwookie

Congratuations on your new child.

1. DO not let the ballifs in, do NOT open the door to them.

2. Do the father's of the children pay towards them, if not you might want to persue them.

3. Get your SOA up on here, others will help you over what can be cut.

4. Are you getting the right amount of benefits for 2 children?

Get on to the CCCS and have a good talk to them

Good luck

blondescorpio

Entitled to - http://www.entitledto.co.uk/ - check benefits levels
Payplan - http://www.payplan.com - tel 0800 917 7823
CCCS - http://www.cccs.co.uk/ - tel 0800 138 1111
SOA http://www.makesenseofcards.com

Good luck!

TotallyBroke

I have nothing more to add as advice, the others beat me to it.
I know its easy to say and hard to do but please do not worry. As others have said do not let any bailiffs in under any circumstances just ignore the door to everyone unless you know they are coming around.

Do get in touch with CCCS or payplan. They will write all the letters for you but in the meantime I think you can just send a token £1 payment and a letter telling them that you are seeking advice.

You may get a lot of telephone calls threatening you with all manner of untruths again do not worry about them. The people that work for CCCS that use this forum will pm you if any of their threats could be true. If you can get away with not giving your telephone number then even better.

Good luck and congratulations on your two children