Off on Sick. How do I cope?

JustAboutThere

Hopefully this is appropriate, but if you haven't already seen it, have a read of the MSE Mental Health Guide:

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/credit-cards/mental-health-guide?_ga=2.251579846.1322554510.1494428233-48701347.1476098062

As outlined under the section 'Working with the Banks', you might wish to disclose your illness:

"Speak to the right person

If the creditor has a specialist team or staff member who deals with vulnerable customers, ask to speak to them. If not, then ask to speak to a senior customer services team member. If you disclose a disability, the creditor has to adapt its procedures under the Equality Act 2010. Keep a note of whom you spoke to."

This should mean they're aware of your condition; and 'tread lightly' when dealing with you.

All the best and take care.

tlc678910

Hi,
I just wanted to say if your income is not enough to meet all your expenses for the moment then you need to prioritise your essential needs and essential bills.

Plenty of people post on here that they have all their loans and credit card payments made and up to date but they have no money left for food and essential travel. This is the wrong way to go about it.

Try to make a budget based on your wife's wages and and your sick pay (plus any other benefits you may be entitled to as they come in). Start by prioritising essential bills (that keep a roof over your head/keep you warm and fed).

So prioritise food, essential travel (getting to work for your wife, getting to appointments) rent or mortgage (if renting try a claim for housing benefit), then council tax (try a claim for council tax benefit) then gas, electric and water.

Only if there is money left after these essential outgoings should you pay for "luxuries" (sky TV, phone contracts, gym membership etc) or credit cards or loans. It is scary to not pay if you have always paid but essential if you don't have enough money to cover everything. This will affect your credit rating if you stop paying things) and may incur charges but if you don't have the money then you don't have a choice. People on here will guide you going forwards.

Review all your direct debits and cancel non essentials such as gym memberships, phone contracts (go pay as you go on the same number) where you are able to cancel. Even if you are unable to cancel don't pay if you don't have the money after your essential bills.

Some people post their income and outgoings on here for advice (there is a template on here called Statement of Affairs)

Focus on getting your budget to cover the essentials and everything else can be fixed in time.
Good luck.
Tlc