Need some serious advice

gingerkitten

I need some serious advice on how to help a friend. This is quite a long story but I'll try and summarise.

This chap has been out of work for about 15 years and is in receipt of incapacity benefit due to depression and anxiety. Total income from benefits is £140pw. Because of his illness he finds it almost impossible to deal with important issues and because of that has fines (DVLA for parking his untaxed car on a car park - he didn't realise that it is classed a highway) a CCJ for non payment of Veterinary fees (his dog died and he couldn't afford to pay all of the vets bill), and he is also paying back a sizeable amount for overpayment of Benefit at a rate of £4pw. He also owes the utility company for Gas, they cut off his supply and installed a payment meter so for every £10 he tops up the gas company grab £6 to pay off his debt.

He has no assets, rents his home, doesn't have a phone, no computer and his only enjoyment, his tv will have to go soon as he can't afford to get digital/new tv or freeview (and no he doesn't have a tv license!). He doesn't put his heating or fire on to conserve the gas until he really has too. Incidentally his car is 20 years old and doesn't even work but he seems very reluctant to get rid of it, maybe because that's the only possession he has. He is living hand to mouth and things are just escalating.

No wonder he is depressed!! He asked me about becoming bankrupt, now I'm no expert but it doesn't seem to me that he'll benefit from that course of action as most of his outstanding debt apart from the utility company is in fines. An IVA doesn't seem right either for the same reasons. He has maybe £500 in bank charges and the only thing I could recommend is reclaining under the hardship rules.

Anything you can suggest will be considered

Horace

Not sure what to suggest really..other than contacting one of the debt charities such as CCCS.

If he has been suffering from depression for 15 years and is unable to work - is he claiming Disability Living Allowance?

Not having a tv licence is a bit stupid because he will get caught and that will add to his woes...also not having road tax..his car could end up being crushed...but I am not going to lecture you about that.

Justicenpeace

Hi gingerkitten,

I'm afraid I've no real advice here apart from suggesting that your friend contacts the CAB who will be able to advise not only about the debt problems, but also may be able to see if he's eligible for any benefits and so on. They may also be able to advise about getting more help for his mental health treatment, advocates and so on. Often mental health difficulties interact with money and debt worries (one leading to the other and vice versa). Mind (the mental health charity) may also be able to offer some help and advice. http://www.mind.org.uk/help (They've been running a campaign on mental health and money recently.) Perhaps you could go with your friend to the CAB to support him?

All best wishes,

Justicenpeace.