Giving Up

belfast_2

I've been on a DMP for a year now and have 5 more to go. That's 5 years without a disposable income of any sort.

Every penny I earn pays the DMP and the rest on household bills. My house is falling down around me as I can't afford to decorate. I froze during Winter because gas is so dear and spent the other day with no electric. Everything I buy is on offer or secondhand. I actually dress like a tramp because the kids come first and are the main priority.

I have no phone because I couldn't afford the bill. The only luxury I have kept is the internet. It's handy for school homework etc.

Then today I checked my online bank account to see that I was £5 overdrawn. A fee of £38 has been applied to the account and at the end of the quarter I'll get estimated interest fees of about £50. This happened before and I managed to get the fees refunded but was warned not to let it happen again or the fees will have to be paid.

I could barely see the pc screen as the tears flooded down my face as I pondered on the fact that I have no money to live on never mind pay these fees. I then thought about ending it all when my partner left the house. I'm now afraid of myself but I will contact the samaritans for help.

I can't go on day after day broke. I was considering cancelling the direct debit with Payplan. That way I would have something to live on. What are the consequences if I do. My house is a council house so I'll not lose that plus baillifs don't operate in N.Ireland.

I'd appreciate any help.

briona

Hi Belfast

Firstly: BIG hugs! You have come to the right place and although I personally have little in the way of advice, I know there will be plenty more who have.

I wonder if it is possible to re-negotiate the terms of the DMP? I am sure that if you approached Payplan showing them your monthly figures and the fact that you are struggling to pay the bills, they would be of some assistance.

Do not even consider "ending it all" – this is only money and no debts are worth paying the ultimate price for. Congratulations on sticking with the DMP so far – that's one year down!

I'm only sorry that I can't offer any more in the way of help but I would definitely talk to Payplan.

Hang in there! It WILL get better.

Briona

slowlyfading

Firstly, sending a big :grouphug: (HUG) to you. I am afraid I can't be much help, other that say, can't you compromise another amount you pay each month so you have something for yourself each month? I'm not sure how DMP works to be honest. Keep your chin up, things will get better. Anything you can sell on Ebay/Amazon?
Nicola x

quantumleap

Struck a cord with me as I'm in Belfast at the moment (I work here!).

I think you need to speak with CCCS or payplan in order to attempt to reevaluate your DMP (at least find out if it is possible).

You could also post a SOA on here, we might be able to provide some sort of help and/or advice.

Hang in there and if you need to talk keep posting, we're all here for you. In fact I'm probably literally just round the corner!!!

David_B_2

Big hugs from me too.

As you mentioned above, Kids do come first so ending it all certainly won't help them.

Hang in there.

frosty

I have no phone because I couldn't afford the bill. The only luxury I have kept is the internet. It's handy for school homework etc.



Hi,I hope you dont mind me asking but whos your internet provider,Im with tiscali and for £19.99 amonth I receive broadband and all calls day and night are free to 01 &02 numbers,you might be able to get a better deal and then you can keep in touch with family and friends.

cuddlymarm

Hi Belfast

I know you're feeling very low at the moment but please trust me when I say that you will feel better, these feeling won't last forever.

But if you are feeling low you need to talk to someone. Sometimes just talking to your partner can help. Also maybe you're feeling a little bit depressed and its no shame to tell your GP how you are feeling.

If things are so tight you need to talk to Payplan and tell them how much you are struggling because they are supposed to be helping you.

I hope you feel better soon:grouphug:

PS Don't forget to keep sharing your feelings with us because just getting it off your chest can help.

belfast_2

I'm going to work out my finances again and approach payplan. I'm going to plead with them.

Briona: Your right, I'm not going to ever let myself feel the way I did this morning over debt. I'm going to chill out this afternoon and get back on track.

I'm glad I've shared my problems because I feel much much better. I'm so glad this forum is here.

thanx all

donna73

this is definately the place for support, everyone on here is so helpful. we're all with you in spirit, if not in person,when things get tough a friend of mine always reminds me that something usually does turn up to sort things out.

keep strong and remember you and the kids are whats important, look after yourselves.

Snaggles

Just to echo what others have said, do contact Payplan , as in theory, a DMP should allow you enough money each month to pay for gas/electricity/telephone and even a small amount for clothes etc. Things will always be tight on a DMP, but should be manageable, you shouldn't have to freeze or dress like a tramp.

Please do speak to someone about how you are feeling too - any money situation is solveable, believe me there are people on here with staggeringly huge debts (I'm sure they wont mind me saying so), and they are finding their way through it all. Don't do anything rash, your family would much rather have you than a huge pile of money, that's for certain. Keep posting and look after yourself xxx

olibearhorse

You'll get through this! You've managed one year, only four to go and what's four years in the rest of your life with your lovely children?

My partner is with the CCCS and they have been great. They set his payment plan up to allow him enough to live on to include clothing/food and some pleasure.

Keep smiling, in four years you will not only have learnt from this experience but you will have become a lot tougher too!

xx