What Options Do I have??

lynzpower

Right been thinking about this

You need to phone shelter pronto and talk to them about getting a caseworker to get on the case. If you get into/ remain in arrears you could become homeless which is exactly what shelter are set up to avoid. In my experiece they are excellent at getting stuff done.

I feel for you, sending hug
Lynz

Emmzi

CGC,

ok, deep breath. Living with parents might not be the best option, but it's better than others, and if it's safe for your child, it could be the best bet until you can find a job.

Becuase your rent is almost equal to your income, your choices are really limited, even if you do go bankrupt. You need to find somewhere else cheaper to stay - or talk to your parents about your position.

Hopefully time has mellowed them. At the end of the day, you need to know where you stand with them. I think you need to give them a ring and see.

Any chance of support from the kid's father to go with that child benefit? Not sure how the CSA works in NI.

Edited - great suggestion from Lynzpower. Shelter may be able to give some great help.

In_Search_Of_Me

Hi cyber girl,
If you are feeling like you want to harm yourslef please go & see your doctor without delay. Whie this is really hard try & focus on the fact that it is only money...its not worth harming youself over. Have you sought advice from payplan/ccs or CAB? Also have you contacted the benefits agency to ascertain whether you can get additional benefits? If yo are feeling overwhelmed & feeling unable to cope take a task a day (ie phone benefits agency, next day phone ccs etc...) & try not to see the whole debt. Looking at your finances possibly the first thing to do is sort the benefits out and it may be time to tell them how dire the situation has become for you because of the delay in decisions being made & overpayments etc....do you have family/friends that you talk to & take with you to advocate for you at meetings? You will get out of this but I know it feels hopeless and overwhelming right now. Have a look around the boards & there are some wonderful examples of people overcoming massive debts by various means and you will find pleanty of support here...keep us updated & big hugs meanwhile...

cybergirlclareb

Thanks for all the help. At the min I can't even think straight, this latest kick in the teeth has really sent me for 6.

lynzpower

Additionally, get your MP on board. At the very least they need to be aware of yet another balls up of tax credits, Id love to hear of someone thats had no problems with them.

I cannot stress this enough. Phone your MPs office, edven if they arnt there there will be some sort of caseworker ( I used to be one, a long time ago) that get onto people and knock heads together.

I know you sound like you are exhausted with it all, but your MP, councillor and Shelter all need to be involved, so they can exert considerable pressure wherever they can

cybergirlclareb

Our MP is pretty useless but I'll give it a try. My mum always says if it wasn't for bad luck I wouldnt have any and it is so true.

lynzpower

We are all paying our MPs wages, so remind them of that if they are doing nothing.

cybergirlclareb

I just really can not see a light at the end of the tunnel.

beanielou

Please do what Lynz has said & contact your MP & Shelter or Housing advice centre for help.Do you have a CAB near you?
Do you have a CPN who could give you a hand? What about your health visitor?

nadnad

cybergirlclareb - whereabouts in northern ireland are you? i live here too and if I know your area I could ask around and see if I can find anyone with jobs.