First time SOA - Please be gentle. Am so worried.

vaporate

immoral_angeluk wrote: »

Sorry but I disagree. Although the student loan wouldn't be taken into account for a DRO, it's still a debt and should be seen as such as it will still remain payable in the future should the OP return to work. It's quite dangerous to not see debt as actual debt.

I disagree.

It is not a debt as far as I'm concerned. Normal debts are not written off or income assessed.

It is more a graduate tax. (if you passed)

The fact that the OP gets 600 quid a month means he pays nothing. Unless he earns 15k or it is one of those old loans.

immoral_angeluk

SimIsOnTheUp wrote: »

Hmm, no comment re the Jobcentre..

So, you reckon, my ESA is being paid lower than the standard rate then?

I will chase this up next week.

Same with DLA

Thank You so much.

The rate has recently increased from £64.30 a week to £65.45... so it certainly seems that way but without seeing your actual claim I can't say for certain. Worth a phone call though

immoral_angeluk

vaporate wrote: »

I disagree.

It is not a debt as far as I'm concerned. Normal debts are not written off or income assessed.

It is more a graduate tax. (if you passed)

The fact that the OP gets 600 quid a month means he pays nothing. Unless he earns 15k or it is one of those old loans.

Each to their own.

vaporate

immoral_angeluk wrote: »

Each to their own.

Just my view on it.:j

SimIsOnTheUp

immoral_angeluk wrote: »

I don't know about shropshire, but most CABs have specialist benefits advisors who can help with the appeals. I know both of mine do so I'd imagine it's the same at yours.
Failing that as you're on ESA you're be entitled to legal aid to get help preparing the appeal case from a solicitor if you could find a local solicitor to take it on. The legal aid wouldn't pay for representation in court though.
http://www.communitylegaladvice.org.uk/en/legalaid/calculator.jsp
If you give CLS a call they'll let you know who locally does legal aid benefit cases

The fact that you're having to potentially go into rehab etc is pretty clear reasoning that you're not fit for work, but unfortunately many many people are having to jump through hoops at the moment due to the jobcentre scoring 'nil pois' on genuine cases. There's even been cases of people with terminal CANCER being deemed fit for work so you're not alone..

Jesus - what are the Jobcentre playing at with this whole 'medical' lark?

Will contact CLS thanks.

Feel a bit overwhelmed, but it's all good :rotfl:

You've just reminded me, my CAB appointment letter is signed 'Caseworker', but my phone message from them, says that the CAB lady I'll be seeing, is a CLA (so I assume Community Legal Advice) advisor.

Should I be seeing a CLA person, if I need help with my debts?!

I really hope they haven't put me with someone who's speciality isn't debt

immoral_angeluk

vaporate wrote: »

Just my view on it.:j

and mine.. but then again I work in the debt advice industry so I have no choice but to see it as debt...

for the record I don't have one lol

immoral_angeluk

SimIsOnTheUp wrote: »

Jesus - what are the Jobcentre playing at with this whole 'medical' lark?

Will contact CLS thanks.

Feel a bit overwhelmed, but it's all good :rotfl:

You've just reminded me, my CAB appointment letter is signed 'Caseworker', but my phone message from them, says that the CAB lady I'll be seeing, is a CLA (so I assume Community Legal Advice) advisor.

Should I be seeing a CLA person, if I need help with my debts?!

I really hope they haven't put me with someone who's speciality isn't debt

It's more than likely due to their funding. Depending on the bureau they may have legal aid funded (CLS or LSC) caseworkers so I wouldn't worry about it too much It's just a different breed of caseworker lol
You can see all sorts..
Debt Caseworker
Money Advice Caseworker
Money Advice Assistant
LSC caseworker
CLS caseworker..



ESA in itself is still a very new benefit and still in the 'working out the kinks' phase... but obviously that's no consolation to the many many people who are in serious financially difficulty when they shouldn't be.

vaporate

immoral_angeluk wrote: »

and mine.. but then again I work in the debt advice industry so I have no choice but to see it as debt...

for the record I don't have one lol

lol. I would be more scared of a personal loan.

immoral_angeluk

vaporate wrote: »

lol. I would be more scared of a personal loan.

I'd be more scared of a joint anything.. :rotfl:

MFWannabe

SimIsOnTheUp wrote: »

Hiya guys and gals,

I'm a 36 year old single bloke, living in a Housing Association flat.

I am currently not working, due to having been ill with depression, anxiety, and alcohol issues, all of which I am now getting help for, starting next week.

So, my sole income is ESA / Housing Benefit / Council Tax Benefit.

Am looking at starting Voluntary work, for a local homeless charity, starting next Tuesday

I've been up all night, going through all my paperwork, filing everything, and filling out my SOA on paper, ready for my CAB appointment, with a 'Money Advice Trust' advisor on May 12th.

Feel shattered, and overwhelmed by the enormity of this, but am determined to tackle this head on.

Am seriously considering a DRO, in order to make a fresh start, as I can't see how to make headway with all of this debt - 99% of the debt has been accrued through my alcoholism and mental health issues. Really want to concentrate, on getting fit and well again, so I can get back to work.

Have discussed going into rehab for 3 / 6 months, with my Substance Misuse Worker, so I need to make a decision, as to what to do, by the time I see the CAB in 10 days time.

I would very much appreciate some advice, as to what I should do next regarding this debt.

Many Thanks,

Kind Regards,

Sim x ...

Statement of Affairs and Personal Balance Sheet

Household Information
Number of adults in household........... 1
Number of children in household......... 0
Number of cars owned.................... 0

Monthly Income Details
Monthly income after tax................ 0
Partners monthly income after tax....... 0
Benefits................................ 590.32
Other income............................ 0
Total monthly income.................... 590.32

Monthly Expense Details
Mortgage................................ 0
Secured/HP loan repayments.............. 0
Rent.................................... 297.96
Management charge (leasehold property).. 0
Council tax............................. 55.16
Electricity............................. 61.2
Gas..................................... 0
Oil..................................... 0
Water rates............................. 26.8 - Once you've cleared arrears would the HO let you have a water meter? this would probably work out cheaper for you
Telephone (land line)................... 6
Mobile phone............................ 45 - this is very high; how did you get on talking to Vodafone? If they won't let you cancel completely ask them if they can seriuosly reduce the tarriff due to severe financial difficulties
TV Licence.............................. 23.75 - this if high; is this due to arrears?
Satellite/Cable TV...................... 0
Internet Services....................... 5.99
Groceries etc. ......................... 171.5 - You could easily cut this. Don't buy ready meals; cook from scratch simple things like spag bol etc. Buy the 'cheaper' brands of foods; a lot of these you can't tell the difference between these and premium brands
Clothing................................ 10 - Wear what you have for now
Petrol/diesel........................... 0
Road tax................................ 0
Car Insurance........................... 0
Car maintenance (including MOT)......... 0
Car parking............................. 0
Other travel............................ 0
Childcare/nursery....................... 0
Other child related expenses............ 0
Medical (prescriptions, dentist etc).... 0
Pet insurance/vet bills................. 0
Buildings insurance..................... 0
Contents insurance...................... 0
Life assurance ......................... 0
Other insurance......................... 0
Presents (birthday, christmas etc)...... 5 - You really can't afford anything at the moment. I know it might sound harsh but explain to relatives you really cannot afford anything at the moment while you are sorting your life out and i'm sure they'll understand
Haircuts................................ 8 - this is high for a mans haircut? It's usually about £8 for a cut which you would probably only need every 2 or 3 months
Entertainment........................... 10 - What's this for? With a minus figure you really can't afford anything. Why not invite friends round instead?
Holiday................................. 0
Emergency fund.......................... 5
Total monthly expenses.................. 731.36


Assets
Cash.................................... 0
House value (Gross)..................... 0
Shares and bonds........................ 0
Car(s).................................. 0
Other assets............................ 0
Total Assets............................ 0

No Secured nor Hire Purchase Debts

Unsecured Debts
Description....................Debt......Monthly...APR
Rent Arrears...................24........0.........0
Council Tax Arrears............459.31....0.........0
Electric - NPower..............719.......0.........0
Student Loans Company..........14000.....0.........0
Ex - Girlfriend................1458......0.........0
O2 (DCA).......................1055.27...0.........0
O2 (DCA).......................588.23....0.........0
O2 (DCA).......................480.28....0.........0
Next Directory (DCA)...........108.59....0.........0
Empire Stores (DCA)............532.05....0.........0
Littlewoods a/c (DCA)..........536.35....0.........0
Vanquis Visa CC (DCA)..........357.89....0.........0
Capital One Visa(DCA)..........688.33....0.........0
TV License Arrears.............71.25.....0.........0
DWP Crisis Loans...............710.82....0.........0
Housing Bft O/Payment..........2370......0.........0
Severn Trent Water.............180.......0.........0
Total unsecured debts..........24347.37..0.........-


Monthly Budget Summary
Total monthly income.................... 590.32
Expenses (including HP & secured debts). 731.36
Available for debt repayments........... -141.04
Monthly UNsecured debt repayments....... 0
Amount short for making debt repayments. -141.04

Personal Balance Sheet Summary
Total assets (things you own)........... 0
Total HP & Secured debt................. -0
Total Unsecured debt.................... -24,347.37
Net Assets.............................. -24,347.37

Created using the SOA calculator at www.makesenseofcards.com.
Reproduced on Moneysavingexpert with permission, using other browser.

Hi

Firstly can i say well done for deciding to get your life together; you are young and have a great future ahead of you.

I am no expert at all with debt management but i have added a few comments to your SOA. Hope you don't mind my comments.
You sound so lovely; your comment about wishing you could pay your ex girlfriend back was soooo lovely. You obviously appreciated her help and kindness at a time when you really needed it. Keep up the good work you WILL get there