minimum payment?

Allan87

I have recently signed on to JSA and have a water bill to pay but they want to setup a DD of £54/month to clear it, which I cannot afford. Is there a minimum payment scheme available until I can afford to clear it?

HappyMJ

Yes water direct will limit the deductions from your JSA payment to an affordable level. You may even get some of it written off depending on your water supplier.

Allan87

I tried that line and they said as my only outstanding balance is the current bill following the meter reading taken on the 29 June 2011 they will not be able to take payments directly from my benefits. That's when they suggested the £54 DD.

samsmoot

Third Party Deductions can only be made if it is in the interests of the family. There needs to have been a failure to budget or a threat of court action. Then they can act. Funny that they won't in this instance as both the DWP and the water companies are usually quick off the mark to set up TPDs even when it's not lawful.

Anyway, what you need to do is a little asking for help - write to your water company explaining that you are on benefit and would like them to hold off collecting the debt whilst you apply to their charity for help - ask them for the address to write to.

If no luck with that (will at least buy you some time) then I suggest offering the same amount per week as would be taken if you did have deductions from benefit. By then you probably will be entitled to have deductions made anyway - especially if you get a threat of court action.

I made a post earlier about paying advance charges - you might want to take a look in case it applies to you.