Desparetly depressed in dept!!!!!!!!!!!

juliag

eli, re-read you first post, do not be afraid to go to court if that is what it comes too,they are there to protect you too. you are not a criminal and will not be seen as one, they would freeze any interest payments and would only get you to p[ay what you can afford and if this is nothing then its nothing. look at the sample letters on the national debtline website, along with this website it has turned my life around. you can take control and you will take control, sometimes it is not always a matter of cutting back because sometimes you cant cut back. these companies often employ bullies from the planet bullydom to make us feel small and insignificant, read the sample letters , send them and retake control of your life. xxx your very near neighbour julia

Eli_2-2

Thanks Julie, that is very kind of you, too kind.
But my partner is working tomorrow night, I dont get in until 6pm, then our daughter is having a mate over, anyway the X-factor final is on :rolleyes:

Yes car is a expence, but dont think we could be without it, we try and work our hours so one of us is there to drop daughter of at school/pickup, or look after her in the evening if i work, he works, basically one has car while at work, the other has daughter, then rush home in car, change over, so other has car to get to work and other one at home if you understand me?
We both work a few miles from home,then rushing to get daughter from school ect, sometimes his is alot further, he just takes what the agencies throw at him.
We can get rid of mobiles, well i cud cut his down to same as mine, i know you can change minutes on contract, but not cancel it?
I think this is why CCCS have said that cant help us atm, I dont think they can help us full stop, maybe B&B is the answer, its just awlful ive struggled all these years, to get my self out of council, to end up in a flippin hostil, or a nice council flat in a high rise, where you neighbours are smack heads and there is needles everywhere, i wont bring my daughter up in that!!!
Ive worked too hard.
But what else can I do?
I just dont know what to do, cant beleive it.

fuzzgun19

As your joint wages are so low, you would definately be able to claim Working tax credits and child tax credits (nothing to do with DSS).
The number is here- http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/taxcredits/downtime.htm
Give them a call and put in a claim ASAP!

juliag

frosty, good for you but that is all eli is spending now could she really be expected to spend even less.

juliag

eli, have sent you private message hope it helps, feeling mad now about missing x factor final tomorrow night xxx

jcr16

i feed my family of 2 adults ,2 children (both in nappies ) and 2 cats on £50 a week. and we never have beens on toast. just homemade proper meals.

we rented a few years back and it stated no dss. but we claimed it and had it paid to us directly. could u not explain you rmoney probs with landlord, and say if you don't apply for help then u can't pay your rent. they may feel as you have rented with them for a while they are happy to except it.
also have you considered moving. i know having a 3 bed house must be nice. but u only need 2 beds. and if you can save on rent then fab. maybe relocate totally and you partner may find it easier to get a job.

hth

fatbelly

A couple (well, three) quick points to reinforce what others have said:

1. You should claim everything you are entitled to. Put a query on the benefits board if you want someone to come up with likely figures. But you're looking at Housing benefit & Council Tax Benefit (same form, phone your local council) and tax credits (can't apply online at present - try 0845 300 3900).

2. Creditors will threaten court action for a long time before taking it, if they ever do. And even if they do, the courts will set a realistic repayment rate with no enforcement action possible as long as you repay at that rate.

3. CCCS do need you to have disposible income. But CAB do not. They will be happy to act on your behalf. Have a chat to your local one.

kalfy1

Hi Eli

Interesting reading your situation. I am in a bit of one myself at the moment. I am married with 2 toddlers. I owe £90k IN MY OWN NAME. How I don't know, but it has built up over 5 years. I only work part time 16hrs on £650 take home a month, so struggle a great deal!!!

I have had to go to a debt management company to help me. I know they take a percentage of money. But they have got my debts down from £1800 per month to £350 per month! Much more affordable. They have got the interest frozen as well. They deal with all my creditors by letter & phone. I know it will take forever to pay back, but I would rather have a better life day by day with my husband and 2 young children
.
Also if you are getting your creditors calling up chasing for money....BT do a choose to refuse service, where you can get up to 10 numbers blocked from calling you. This seperate from not taking marketing numbers etc etc. I had the HALIFAX chasing me 10 times a day...now they cant!!!!

Anyway, what I was going to say is I rent a 3 bed house for £595pcm and I applied for housing benefit, although my tenancy agrement also said not allowed. There is an option box on the form stating for them to NOT CONTACT YOUR LANDLORD/LADY and also to HAVE MONEY PAID DIRECT TO YOU. I get HOUSING BENEFIT OF £120 every 4 weeks. This is a huge bonus. Unfortunately, we are not entitled to council tax benefit. We were before my tax credits got put up for having 2 children though!!!! But we do get £625 EVERY 4 WEEKS Child tax credits and also £300 EVERY 4 WEEKS working tax credit. That is with me earning £600pcm and my husband taking the bare minimum out of his business whilst it gets started up of £500pcm. SO THERE IS CERTAINLY OPTIONS OUT THERE FOR YOU.

I wish you all the best and please remember, there are more people on your side than the creditors!!! and you will get through this. Happy Xmas.

hobo28

Hi Eli

I agree with what Kalfy says. If you can, apply for housing benefit and ask for them not to contact your landlord. Remember, you are entitled to this money and of course, make sure you get your full entitlement to WFTC/tax credits.

Bath prices are quite high but I'd see if you could perhaps switch to a cheaper place to rent although of course you will need to balance that against the trauma of moving your daughter. Remember, you only really NEED a 2 bed.

The priority of course should be for your partner to get himself back into a full time job. However, as you've already said, its realistically going to be next year.

Have a nice xmas.

tattooed_lady

Hi Eli,

Try this website, it will tell you exactly what you are entitled to www.entitledto.co.uk