CCCS/Payplan etc...does anyone here use CAB?

char_student

As above, I have no debts but I work for CAB just wondering why no one on her mentions using CAB?

Mr_Mag0o

I used the CAB to set mine up and they were absolutely wonderful.

Faye449

I have used CAB in the past for help with taking nightmare employers to tribunals for monies owed and both times they were fab BUT this time I was in a bit of a hurry and from previous experience trying to get an appointment at my local CAB can be a mission in itself. Also they are very restrictive wrt to the hours they keep (I'm not complaining- I know its all voluntary) and I wouldn't have been able to get time off to go.

rugbymum

Sorry, I have to say you are wrong.
CAB are mentioned VERY FREQUENTLY.
Because there are so FEW debt counselling charities, there tends to be a recurring list.
One of the problems with CAB has been mentioned by a previous poster. There is often a very long wait, and the opening hours can be quite restricted.
Sometimes people are in URGENT need of help, and CCCS & ND are online as well as able to give advice over the phone.

Tixy

CAB are on the official recommended list on the first page 'sticky' (which includes all the main debt advice charities).

There is another CAB advisor - immoral_angel who posts on here a lot and is very helpful.

fatbelly

Tixy wrote: »

There is another CAB advisor - immoral_angel who posts on here a lot and is very helpful.

There are some others on here as well (clears throat).

One major difference between CCCS/Payplan and CAB is that CAB cannot handle your payments. So we help you to set up your dmp (if that's the appropriate strategy) but you make the payments. A lot of posters here are considering or already in a dmp so I guess that's why CCCS/Payplan comes up a lot.

Another difference is that we can be more 'holistic' and debt problems tend not to exist in isolation. We can advise on benefits (v. important), employment issues, relationship issues. And often have 'local' knowledge and useful local contacts.

true27

fatbelly wrote: »

There are some others on here as well (clears throat).

One major difference between CCCS/Payplan and CAB is that CAB cannot handle your payments. So we help you to set up your dmp (if that's the appropriate strategy) but you make the payments. A lot of posters here are considering or already in a dmp so I guess that's why CCCS/Payplan comes up a lot.

Another difference is that we can be more 'holistic' and debt problems tend not to exist in isolation. We can advise on benefits (v. important), employment issues, relationship issues. And often have 'local' knowledge and useful local contacts.

I wanted to self manage my DMP so I went to the CAB for advise, because of other "holisitc" issues that were related to my debt, got some fabulous advice and I'm now happily self managing. So much so I've decided to become a volunteer and am attending my first training day on Friday!

InDeepDebt

true27 wrote: »

I wanted to self manage my DMP so I went to the CAB for advise, because of other "holisitc" issues that were related to my debt, got some fabulous advice and I'm now happily self managing. So much so I've decided to become a volunteer and am attending my first training day on Friday!

Wow, that’s quite a thing to do. Well done to you.

I used to work in customer service and enjoyed it when I could actually help someone – rather than the customers who just used to ring up and shout at you (still got satisfaction from helping these people too though).

I now work in IT and, although we do have ‘customers’, it’s a different type of customer.

I may look into this – give something back rather than the (my) current ‘take – take – take’. And, hopefully motivate me to not get into this situation again (once I get out of it).

Do you need any special skills/qualifications?

Jim

true27

InDeepDebt wrote: »

Wow, that’s quite a thing to do. Well done to you.

I used to work in customer service and enjoyed it when I could actually help someone – rather than the customers who just used to ring up and shout at you (still got satisfaction from helping these people too though).

I now work in IT and, although we do have ‘customers’, it’s a different type of customer.

I may look into this – give something back rather than the (my) current ‘take – take – take’. And, hopefully motivate me to not get into this situation again (once I get out of it).

Do you need any special skills/qualifications?

Jim

Thanks Jim!

From what I've found out so far, you don't need any special skills or qualifications as they provide all the training you need (which is all accredited). My CPN suggested I try volunteering as part of my therapy for anxiety, and with my background of admin and customer service, plus using the service provided by the CAB, I couldn't imagine volunteering for anything else! If you have a look on the CAB website there is a fair amount of information on there.

HTH - True x

Tixy

fatbelly wrote: »

There are some others on here as well (clears throat).

One major difference between CCCS/Payplan and CAB is that CAB cannot handle your payments. So we help you to set up your dmp (if that's the appropriate strategy) but you make the payments. A lot of posters here are considering or already in a dmp so I guess that's why CCCS/Payplan comes up a lot.

Another difference is that we can be more 'holistic' and debt problems tend not to exist in isolation. We can advise on benefits (v. important), employment issues, relationship issues. And often have 'local' knowledge and useful local contacts.

Sorry Fatbelly!

I didn't realise you were a CAB advisor (I did, of course, know you were a very helpful and knowledgable person , but didn't realise it was your profession)

immoral_angeluk

*waves*

CAB are mentioned very frequently on here, and all over MSE so I'm surprised you haven't seen anything!