End of my tether

happy_bunny_2

Maybe call stepchange to talk through your options.

If you cancel your direct debits, you might get charged something by the company that might be less than the bank. Depends what they are for.

You need to pay rent and priority debts first, the rest can wait.

When_the_going_gets_tough

Make an application for child tax credits now - you might well be entitled to something.

happy_bunny_2

Or fill out the firm on the stepchange website

ASingleParent

How come you are not getting Tax Credits? Have you never applied? On your salary you would certainly be entitled.
Along with Tax Credits, you could also be entitled to Working Tax Credits (if as part of a couple one of you is working 24+ hours a week...which sounds like you do) and Housing Benefit. If your salary is unpredictable you can still get Working Tax credits, you just have to give them an average number of hours you work a week)
Please go about this asap, there may be a chance of a crisis loan too but you need to get ringing / applying to set all this in motion.


In the meantime you may have to take drastic action while waiting for benefits...could you sell the car for some much needed cash to get you out of the extremely tight spot you are in?

thesim

Might be worth changing bank accounts (to a different bank) and have your wages/benefits into that one. Then pay out from there. That way rent etc can be paid. Not sure how good my advice is, but I did this when struggling with lack of wages and lots of debt and it really helped- my wages were being swallowed up by bank charges

thesim

Also, I requested no overdraft when I opened my account with the new bank. It would have helped but realistically I would have offset one debt with it and created another.

satchmo1

I know your wife can't work just now, but can she start selling things on eBay? Or a local Facebook page (where baby items sell well). Just remember that all your friends and family will see the Facebook items you post.


Definitely, urgently, apply for benefits / WTC / ring CAB - in fact, your wife could do those things to free you up for paid work. Get in touch with Foodbank, too, as you are in crisis at the moment and can't afford groceries if all your DDs have bounced.


Banks will refund one month's worth of bank charges if you ask - but on a once only basis. Cancel your cable and tv, you can't afford it, sell the tv.


I'm moving house/downsizing and I've sold all sorts on Facebook. The advantage of that over eBay is a) no fees and b) collection of items and cash in hand.

ASingleParent

satchmo1 wrote: »

Banks will refund one month's worth of bank charges if you ask - but on a once only basis.

Possibly more. I was refunded six months worth recently on OD charges.

Onwardsandupwards

Hi I don't know if this has been posted but does your partner not get maternity pay?

Londonshortbread

Hi all,

Thanks for the advice, I have made some progress the last few days

I have phoned step change, gone through everything with them and they have made an appointment to call me in the week

I have sent a letter to the bank requesting my charges back for the last 5 years (No chance I know but hoping to get a months worth!)

I have phoned tax credits, readjusted everything with them as the figures they had me earning from my self employment were £8000 overestimated (no idea where they have got these from!) they've also told me I will receive a renewal pack to readjust my figures from last tax year

I've also looked into seeing if we can receive housing benefit and it turns out we may be eligible for a little help

I've also got over the feeling sorry for myself mood that I was stuck in and decided I'm not going down without a fight!

Thanks all