Sorting out Dept with help from stepchange

stirling-gorilla

Good evening people.

I am in need of some serious advise guys.

I contacted Stepchange about a week ago about my debt problem. Now they are great but I am not sure what the flip I am doing. I have the paper work to fill in - thats not an issue for me. The issue I have is down to the fact my anxiety and depression are just not helping me process the situation.

I was going to sit down tonight and go through the paper work but I walked in to a nice surprise from SSE a whopping £830 electric bill, from working it out it is correct so got to manage that now too. I am a all electric property and well only moved in 6 months ago this bill covers that period - there was some serious doubt about my supplier and meters ect so I knew it was going to be a big bill but didn't expect that.

I now am not sure what to do as Stepchange have said the best solution for me is a Debt Payment Plan under the Debt Arrangement Scheme and when it was worked out my total debt was £3,105.

I also have miscalculated one of my debts in the plan it works out at around £60 less than what it is.

So from what I can work out is my total debt is now £3,995.

I am not sure what to do about this as well feel it is all too much for me, one thing I know is I can not pay the debt off in the way the companies want - some are wanting £100 per month.

I just want to know what other people do and if Stepchange will accept that my debt is bigger than it actually is. I also just want some support with this situation as well I have always been a proud person who paid everything on time and never really spent what I never had but after a relationship breakdown 2 years ago, where my ex made 90% of this debt unfortunately can't do much to resolve that tried everything. I am now in my own place but due to the depression and anxiety caused by the ex in the fight to see m kids I have seem to let things slip as I focused on getting a place for me and my kids when I get them.

So basically is a DPP the right way forward?
Will Stepchange be ok, with my underestimate of things and a new debt appearing?
And what should I expect of the process?

Thanks
stirling-gorilla or James
(sorry for the longish post)

Edit: sorry for misspelling Debt in title., I'm having a bad spelling day.

sourcrates

Hi,
You need to post this in the debt free wannabe forum, you won't get many replies on here, maybe Fermi can move it for you ?


Ah thanks, that's better !!


I think your worrying over nothing to be honest, stepchange are well aware people forget about debts, and that new ones crop up.


It wont be a problem honestly, just tell them, they will be fine, why would they not be ?

Remember, they are there to help you, not to judge you.

I assume your north of the border, if they recommend a DPP, and you are happy with that proposal, then that sounds like it may work for you.

Most of these arrangements run very smoothly once set up and all parties are notified, I wouldn't worry too much about it, you will find once its all up and running your mind will settle down considerably, as most creditor contact stops, except for the odd letter to check your paying what you can afford.

stirling-gorilla

Thanks, so a phone call to Stepchange tomorrow to advise them, also will be popping some of the paper work in the post as well.

I am going to go through with it as the payment they suggest is great as it means I have money to live off unlike if I was to continue with what the companies demand.

Yes I'm from north of the border so know that there might not be many people on here going through the Scottish system

sourcrates

stirling-gorilla wrote: »

Thanks, so a phone call to Stepchange tomorrow to advise them, also will be popping some of the paper work in the post as well.

I am going to go through with it as the payment they suggest is great as it means I have money to live off unlike if I was to continue with what the companies demand.

Yes I'm from north of the border so know that there might not be many people on here going through the Scottish system

Nice one, good luck with it !!

crazy_cat_lady

Good luck with it all - I had my debts managed through Stepchange because of anxiety (and being busy) and found them nothing but helpful. There's nothing that they haven't heard before, and they are so supportive. Don't worry about ringing them (easier said than done, but they are so lovely and helpful).

National_Debtline

Hi

As the others have said, it really shouldn’t be a problem to update Stepchange with your debt amounts. This kind of thing happens all the time.

Just in case you find it easier to deal with face to face advisers you can search on this website for local advisers who can set up a DPP for you. Just make sure they're a free advice agency rather than a company who would charge you a fee.

www.dasscotland.gov.uk

James
@natdebtline

Solwaysaver

I've been in a DPP for over 2 years, my total debt was a few hundred more than i'd said but wasn't a problem. I still get anxious at times about it but only because i don't like having the debt hanging over me (huge debt, 10 years repayment plan) but the process was straightforward and no hassle from creditors. I get an annual letter asking if i'm happy with the current payment, if i am i don't need to do anything. It's an excellent plan ☺