Gas/Elec finding it hard to pay

lollipop111

Hi
Im a single mum and have in the past month fallen on real hard times, or more so than usual :-) I have just completed a course and intend to start work within the next 2 months

I cannot pay my monthly payment to my gas and elec. Nor the water or t.v licence but the gas and elec are the most. Im very very worried and feel sick every day wondering how on earth........
I set up a payment plan with them but now find I cant pay it this month. Ive just had to buy my daughter shoes and clothes as her old ones did not fit

Whats the worst that can happen if they get shirty with me. If I call them they will ask for a payment date and at the moment I can only say like in a months time which they wont go for. I dont want them to cut me off or start sending nasty letters

Cardew

They will probably want to put you on a prepayment meter.

Depending on the company, there are schemes that will help those in real financial difficulty.

McKneff

Do you have family, friends or perhaps your little girls father who you could ask to help out?

kippen_noedel

before you get to that position call your supplier/s and ask for information on their Social Tariff, you can probably get info via a search engine as well.

don;t tell them you might be starting work, stick to your current situation. & if offered say you do not want prepay meters.

lollipop111

thanks. That might be a good idea for the time being maybe? A prepayment meter, are they much for expensive?
Family not well off Im afraid and friends, same

McKneff

lollipop111 wrote: »

thanks. That might be a good idea for the time being maybe? A prepayment meter, are they much for expensive?
Family not well off Im afraid and friends, same

and father?

kippen_noedel

lollipop111 wrote: »

thanks. That might be a good idea for the time being maybe? A prepayment meter, are they much for expensive?
Family not well off Im afraid and friends, same

try the social tariff route first, then look at changing companies, might save you some money, if you have to go prepay also look at changing, Ebico are often cheapest for prepay gas, but have to say again, look at comparison sites, you might save enough to take the pressure off.

coming off of DDs will probably lose you between £50 & £100 in discounts. thats most of your tv licence fee

1carminestocky

I know it's easy for a stranger on the internet to say this but please try not to let this make you ill. Problems are there for one reason - to be solved. And what doesn't kill you definitely makes you stronger. You've already received some very good advice in this thread but another thing I'd like to add is, if this is all getting a bit too much for you, book an appointment with Citizens Advice Bureau. They will be able to advise you on the best course of action and may even be able to 'negotiate' with the utility compnaies on your behalf. Which I feel would be very welcome help until you are feeling more confident. I really hope you get everything sorted (I'm convinced you will!) and best of luck for the future.

Fire_Fox

Post on the Debt-free Wannabe board if you are struggling with a number of outgoings; you need a plan that will look at the whole picture rather than reacting to one element.