ALL benefits stopped. Now what?

HappyMJ

sourcrates wrote: »

Hi,
Have just read this thread from the start, i think your partner should consider either bankruptcy, or a DRO, as previously suggested, how much does she owe ?

If less than 15k, a DRO would be preferable, although the limit is changing to 20k in October.

Depends on how much debt there is.

I'm quite sure it's under the £15k limit. I'm sure it's over £5k but under £10k.

chesky wrote: »

If she was only receiving ESA from last September, then she should still be eligible for it on a contribution basis. What reason did they give (in the decision letter) for stopping it? Did she ask for a mandatory reconsideration?
Does her child still live with her - and you?
She might find dealing face to face with CAB easier than Stepchange..

She doesn't qualify for contributions based ESA due to insufficient NI contributions in the 2 previous tax years. She's been on income based ESA.

She doesn't have any children.....the child in question in this thread and my previous postings is my ex partner's child (not mine) who lives with my ex partner.

savvykaz wrote: »

You say your partner is unable to work due to having to attend Dr and hospital appts, then why not look at evening work?
Also, why don't the two of you move into your property and save on rent??

I really don't think any work would be a good idea at this point...it may be in the future but just not right now.

Moving into my property isn't an option. It's a very long story...it's to do with banking and mortgages, BTL/owner occupier and my lack of personal income being insufficient to service a mortgage. I'd need to refinance and that's not possible.

runforlife

I'm quite sure it's under the £15k limit. I'm sure it's over £5k but under £10k.

Now is the time to sit down together and get everything out and in the open. Disclosing the full extent of her debts to you will help in her mental capacity to deal with the issue. You will have a firm foundation for your relationship knowing that absolutely everything is shared and not just a burden for one person. It was the hardest thing I ever had to do with my (now) new wife but it was also one of the most powerful. It is wonderful to know that your partner is supportive and non judgemental of you and that you will beat debt together. Good luck to you both.

Red-Squirrel_2

Sorry if I've missed something, but why have you ruled out the possibility of getting a job yourself?

She is unable to work and doesn't have enough coming in to pay her debts, entirely because she lives with you.

You are able to work but are not working and also don't have enough coming in to pay her debts.

I see an obvious solution, so I wonder what I'm missing...

HappyMJ

Red-Squirrel wrote: »

Sorry if I've missed something, but why have you ruled out the possibility of getting a job yourself?

She is unable to work and doesn't have enough coming in to pay her debts, entirely because she lives with you.

You are able to work but are not working and also don't have enough coming in to pay her debts.

I see an obvious solution, so I wonder what I'm missing...

Just one problem....I'm not able to work. It's a long story.

KLou

I would advise getting some impartial debt advice from someone like Stepchange or National Debt Line. If neither of you have any spare income after essential living costs they will help assess insolvency options for you such as bankruptcy, IVA or debt relief order but eligibility for either solution is dependent on many factors that a debt advisor will need to discuss with you and your partner.

Lungboy

HappyMJ wrote: »

Just one problem....I'm not able to work. It's a long story.

You're not able to work but you're also not disabled. That's rather cryptic

k3lvc

HappyMJ wrote: »

Just one problem....I'm not able to work. It's a long story.

So in summary 2 people, no work, significant debts, limited 'income' and yet no desire &/or capability to work ?

I for one would love to see the 'long story' as to why the state owes you rather than you doing something to help youself(ves)

HappyMJ

k3lvc wrote: »

So in summary 2 people, no work, significant debts, limited 'income' and yet no desire &/or capability to work ?

I for one would love to see the 'long story' as to why the state owes you rather than you doing something to help youself(ves)

My debts are manageable (despite having cash flow problems) and not significant in comparison to what I make from matched betting and in comparison to the assets I have. She has significant debts, a low income and no assets at all. I'm asking advice for her not for me...I make all my minimum repayments but I have no spare income to service her existing debts but I can support both of our ongoing expenses. I'd like to get these debts written off so she owns more than she owes as someone said earlier she is insolvent and a DRO might be the best way forward.

Red-Squirrel_2

HappyMJ wrote: »

I'm asking advice for her not for me...

Now that you've moved her in though you can't separate your circumstances out that easily anymore. You're a household, your finances are intertwined whether either of you likes it or not.

Somerset

Red-Squirrel wrote: »

Now that you've moved her in though you can't separate your circumstances out that easily anymore. You're a household, your finances are intertwined whether either of you likes it or not.

Well he can. HappyMJ is not responsible, either morally or legally for settling his partners debts - end of. They are not claiming benefits so 'household income' is irrelevant.


Best of luck HappyMJ