Single mum on last £30 HELP PLEASE!!

dizzyb_2

YOu're right KrissKross, i think people on benefits SHOULD have to pay back debts the same as everyone else. I have struggled with my ex partner not paying maintenance and didnt claim benefits for a long time as i was too proud. However, in May of this year when i had used up too much of my overdraft, i started to claim and also discovered i was actually better off NOT working. Where has it left me? I shouldn't have bothered trying in the first place and maybe i wouldnt be in this mess now. We all learn from our mistakes and this is a hard one for me. I know it isn't a massive debt compared to some here, but the fact that i cannot withdraw any money now, is bad enough for me and at the end of the day, i will sleep on a mates sofa if i have to but i can't let my son suffer. So if it means me looking into this act then i will have to resort to that.

j-baby-scotland

Hi,

I've copied the below from this link :

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=269424&page=5&highlight=bank+taking+benefits

Hope it helps.




'Banks are not allowed to take all of anyone's benefits for charges, thereby leaving them "without sustenance".

This letter of appropriation is what you should send to the bank:


RIGHT OF APPROPRIATION

Dear Sir/Madam,
ACCOUNT NUMBER: xxxxxxxxx

I am writing to inform you that I am due to have a Benefit payment/Tax Credit(or whatever) payment of £xxx paid into my account on xx/xx/xx, and I wish to use my first right of appropriation for this money, for the following purposes;
Rent £xx
Utilities bills £xx
Housekeeping money £xx
I will withdraw the money on the day that it is deposited for the above use, and I would be grateful if you would ensure that any other payments out of my account do not interfere with this withdrawal.

Yours faithfully,

[signature]

[print name)


Banks know this to be the law, and if you insist that they follow the rules, they will abide by it. Any problems, contact:

http://www.clsdirect.org.uk/index.jsp

Posted by Lin'

wilson_nz

Hi dizzyb, I read all the posts last week with interest but couldn't give you any financial advise so didn't add to the posts myself. I am just wondering how things are a few days on? As a parent myself I was very worried about you and have just looked and there has been no posts since 9th Oct.
Hope you're OK. Please let us all know how you are doing..
Angie x

LauraLooDFWB

Hi i a bit of a state myself so i spoke to the wonderfull ppl ant payplan and the women told me that the minimum payment you can offer to a creditor is £1 so my advise is speak to your local CAB and get them to action that for you, the new bank account thing is the answer to then your old bank cant swallow your money. Just make sure you get in contact with benifits to let them know your new account details! Take care xxx

consultant31

I'm on AOL and only pay £14.99 a month and have done for months now. You need to message them and ask to be put on the cheaper rate. It seems they don't offer it until you ask but then will give it to you.

No matter how young you are, or the peer pressure, when you're in a financial mess, the nights out, takeaways and the clothes shopping have to stop, as someone else suggested, invite your friends round for a gossipy night in, it's the people you're with who make the night a success, not where you go.

Have you tried to stop smoking? Will the local health centre not help with patches or something (sorry if that's a stupid question, it's not one of my vices, so don't know what help is available).

Clothes are cheap at charity shops and false pride is pointless. Small children's clothing is often brand new and anyway, it only needs a thorough wash. I just bought a winter coat from my local charity shop - it's pure new wool, M&S and just like new - it cost me £6............brilliant bargain! There are often items from Per Una or Next which cost perhaps a couple of pounds and sell for 3 times that on eBay.

There is lots you can do to make your shopping cheaper and it's very easy to make your own crisps - just as tasty with hardly any fat, so healthier as well as tons cheaper. You can also make little buns or sweets with your little one - fun to do and cheaper than shop bought.