Crisis Loans

hundreds_of_shiny_buttons

Hi,

I'm new to the forum and wonder if anyone is able to give me any advice.

Since the end of May I have been declared unfit for work by my doctor as I have been diagnosed with severe depression and anxiety. I have been receiving ssp, but I didn't receive any today. After a bit of research I found out that I may be entitled to a crisis loan, but when I called the number the lady on the phone was extremely unhelpful and didn't take any of my details. Instead she spoke to me in a patronising manner and told me that as I was in full time employment I should get a bank loan or use a credit card. I explained that my employer are unable to do something as they had not received my fit note (which I sent) and she told me to tell them to give me a sub... This isn't going to happen and I doubt my bank will help me out as I am already at my overdraft limit. The women then hung up on me.

This call really upset me and now I don't know what to do. I have a prescription to pick up (which i have to pay for whilst on SSP) and almost no food in the house. My family live in the states and are not in a situation where they can lend me any money so I don't know what to do next...

any advice would be appreciated

LL30

Mmmm...anyone can apply for a crisis loan, regardless of whether they are employed or not, it's the circumstances that they look at. They should have asked you when you last received money etc...I would ring up and try again. I was successful in getting a crisis loan whilst on SSP due to a high risk pregnancy (back in the days when I didn't know how benefits worked and was still trying to pay full rent every month as well as live...doh!) Write down what you want to say, so you don't get flustered. They will ask you things like 'what will happen if you don't get this loan' - for you, it's that you can't get your prescription which will make your health deteriorate further and that you won't be able to eat (or have elec or gas, they will always take this into consideration) Hope you have some luck x

hundreds_of_shiny_buttons

Thanks for the advice. I'm making my 4th attempt to call to them now... Seem to have a nice chap on the phone this time.