What have I done :(

__kranky__

Hello everybody,

I've been reading MSE for a while and have reduced my outgoings a lot, I don't live a very extravegant life but I don't have a very big income anyway.

Several months ago I did something silly and stopped paying my council tax because I had to choose between that and food After several missed payments the council took me to court and then soon after I had a letter in the door from the bailiff. I had lots of letters which I ignored too and I know it's stupid.

After the bailiff note I went to the council and explained what had happened and they said because I was on such a low income I was likely eligible for council tax benefit. So over the course of the next week I filled in all the forms to get it processed and it went through.

The council recauclated the amount of council tax I had to pay for the year and reached a figure about half of what the letters were asking for. I said I wanted to work out a payment plan to pay them what I owed them but they said that it was too late now as the debt had already gone to the bailiffs and couldn't be recalled.

A few days after this was completed a bailiff came to the house, I was so scared I didn't answer the door and he left a note in the letterbox saying when he returned in the next week he would turn up with a van to take my things away. I don't have much but I just can't bare this any more, I can't sleep at night, I am having night-frights and keep waking up startled, I'm scared to answer the door and my telephone, I sit inside with the light off in the evening to make it look like nobody is home and I really don't know which way to turn. I am so stressed and scared I haven't got a clue what to do now.

The bailiffs want about £700 and I simply cannot afford this, it would take me at least a year to pay them this back fully. I am so scared of what's going to happen since the council say they cannot recall the debt now.

What should I do? I just feel like bursting in to tears now I cannot cope with this. I have done all I can to reduce my outgoings thanks to this site but I just don't have access to £100 let alone £700.

Please somebody tell me what I have to do to sort this, I'm so scared and upset

Heidi

cally6008

Have a look at http://www.bailiffadvice.co.uk I think the website is. I can't remember the name of the member who runs it, just that the website is good advice at this time.

2spicy

Im sorry I cannot offer you any advice, but I would like to offer my sympathy. I really do hope you get your self sorted.

Reast assured you have a lot of friends on here, after all, the reason were all here is because weve all been silly and not managed our debt though one thing or another.

Spicy

__kranky__

Thanks for the link but I couldn't seem to find the right site. If anybody has the link please would you tell me what it is, thanks, Heidi

fermi

__kranky__ wrote: »

Thanks for the link but I couldn't seem to find the right site. If anybody has the link please would you tell me what it is, thanks, Heidi

www.bailiffadviceonline.co.uk

and the member who runs it is Herbie21

PM her if you need help.

LilacPixie

http://www.bailiffadviceonline.co.uk/

LilacPixie

fermi beat me too it

fermi

LilacPixie wrote: »

http://www.bailiffadviceonline.co.uk/

Snap. .........

IcklePickle_2

First, try to stay calm. You sound really upset and I know this is scary but there ARE things you can do.

Have you spoken to the Bailiff at all? I know it might be upsetting to do so, but wouldn't it be better to call and tell them and ask if there's a payment plan they can offer you? If you can clear the debt within 10-12mths then they might accept that instead of taking your possessions and selling them which is more hassle for them, and possessions don't get back what they're really worth anyway.

Secondly, how would you feel about speaking to your GP? You sound traumatised and they can possibly help by referring you for a few sessions with a counsellor. Or what about ringing The Samaritans just to chat about how you're feeling. It helps to talk to someone, anyone! There are debt charities (National Debtline etc.) who will listen and have heard it all before.. worse cases than yours too!

Now, practical things. £700 can be earned quite quickly if you put your mind to it.

Do you have anything you could sell on eBay? Mobile phones, clothes, handbags, unwanted Xmas gifts, DVD player?

Which hours do you work? Could you do overtime or get a second job? 16-20 hours a week in a supermarket or a call centre would probably give you £700 in 3 months or less.

What is your credit rating like? I know you've missed payments on council tax but do you know if you could possibly get say a 12mth 0% credit card and pay it off within 12 months, so you don't incur any interest?

black_paw

go to your local CAB for quick advice and help . good luck fingers crossed for you

Head-Out-Of-Sand

Hey there Heidi,

Sorry you're having such a bad time, please believe things will get better for you.

I agree with the advice as above - contact the bailiffs offering payment (speaking to them might help your stress levels too, they're only human...allegedly ) and get in touch with the advice and support lines - that's what they're there for and they wont judge you or make you feel bad, but they will be able to offer support and advice.

I definitely agree with IcklePickle about seeking help for the trauma of this - it's very frightening to deal with this kind of thing, and you sound really shaken up. Make sure you take care of yourself - it's you who's the most important one in this - not the bailiff, not the debt. Your health comes first.

Take a deep breath, get yourself a nice hot brew and get on the phone for some support, you will feel better, I promise!!

Keep us updated on here & let us know how you're getting on.

((HUGS)) :grouphug: (that's supposed to be a group hug...I'm not sure if it looks kinda pervy though!)