DMP - but emergency money required

Reducemydebt

Hi,

I've been on my DMP for about 4 months or so now, paying a good percentage of my salary towards my debts. The problem is my washing machine is now leaking (probably a repair bill) AND my cooker has decided to give up the ghost (replacement required) - now, of course, in the bad old days out would have come the plastic.....

What do I say to CCCS about next months payment? What are peoples experiences of this?

Thanks

sistafromanothermista

Hi, sorry i can't help on this, is there not a cooker you could buy 2nd hand from ebay? or take washing to launderette?

sickasachip13

Hi there,

As you've only been on the dmp for four months they won't expect you to ahve built up much of an emergency fund. They usually will accept a reduced payment for a month to allow people to sort out an emergency. Just give them a ring and explain the situation, I would say it must happen all the time really.

SAAC

BlushingRose

Yes, ring them and explain, ask them not to take as much or any of their payment and they'll be fine about it.

chevalier

It might be worth looking on the web for your models of washing machine and cooker. Your issues might be common faults. I have heard of people finding youtube videos showing people how to repair simple faults.

If you don't feel confident enough to attempt this, them could you see if your local freecycle or freegle has either item on there. That was how I got rid of my old working washing machine. Or on the free ads gumtree?

I don't know whether you have one in your area but some councils run furniture warehouses where you might be able to pick up a replacement cheap.

If all else fails, then yes phone them and explain. It is not unheard of for people to lower payments temporarily to help people over these emergencies.

good luck
chev

StepChange_Pavan

Hi there,

Just to reiterate what a few others have already said – as it’s an emergency it’s best that you give us a call to see if we can amend your budget or payment to allow for the money you need.

It’s not worth struggling on or taking out further credit as this will make things harder for you in the long term.

I hope this helps.

Kind regards,
Pavan