Pay Utility Debt Out of Benefit?

saubryn

I remember hearing when I worked for a utility company, that it was possible to get arreers taken out of your benefit instead of paying up front.

Is that still possible? I owe a substantial amount on my electricity bill, because I was paying on estimated readings for over a year. I couldn't ring up to give a reading because I live in a flat and the meters are locked away somewhere else. I did pester them to come contact the caretaker and read the thing, and I expected to owe some money when they did, but not this much!

They've offered me a payment arrangement, but its 100 pounds a fortnight - no way can I afford that on Jobseekers

I asked the customer service person about the benefit stuff, but they had no clue either way.

If anyone can point me in the right direction I'd appreciate it. I think getting it taken out of the benefit would a)mean most likely I'd be paying back a more affordable amount, and b) really help me budget.

Anyone know if this still exists and who to contact?

nomoneytoday

Usually the utilities will take payments added to monthly bills over 6-10 months.

If you owe 112 then pay say £15 a month on top of your useage until its cleared in that sort of timeframe.

saubryn

Thanks for your response nomoneytoday The 112 is for the gas, I hadn't added the other thing into my signature yet. Sorry for the confusion.

The electric bill is almost 600 pounds - they want 100 pounds a fortnight, and theres no way I could pay that

Tiff_2

Hi. I'm in debt with my water co. and they are being paid a little for my current usage and a little for arrears direct from my Income Support. CAB told me about it. I think you call up the various utility suppliers and ask them to send you a request form for money to come from your benefit, fill it in and then send it DWP who then process the request and pay a very low amount to the utility companies. This way you know your bills are being paid & so do the utility companies. With such a variety of utilities up in the air I think you should talk to CAB asap to get the ball rolling quickly. They are non-judgemental & know all the rules. Good luck.

saubryn

Thanks! Glad to hear such a scheme still exists. I'll be nipping down to the local CAB first thing tomorrow (much prefer to talk to them in person than over the phone, but you have to get there when they open )

Tiff_2

Good luck. Hope all goes well.
Best wishes