Down to my last 70p and don't know what to do

Hotpoint_2

I found 5p earlier when I was doing the hoovering and was excited because it means I'll be able to buy milk tomorrow!

I haven't been able to work for a few years due to mental health difficulties. And now I have huge debts and can't see the point in carrying on. I've recently started working part time at a supermarket. It's not enough, but I really can't take on any more.

I split up with with my fiance in June, and we had a joint debt. He was paying this off at £20 a month, but since we split up he hasn't paid anything. I received a letter today saying it was a "final demand" and I have to pay £96.74 within 7 days or they'll take me to court. But I can't pay it, and because of the postal strike the 7 days are already up. The letter also talks about previous correspondence though, but I haven't had anything apart from normal the bank statements.

I was supposed to get paid yesterday, but I haven't been. So either I'm not going to get paid this month (as I've recently started), or it'll be by cheque. My manager did say the first payment would be by cheque when I started, but then other people have said it would be BACS and they have my bank details so I'm not sure. But if it is a cheque I can't even afford the bus fare to the bank to deposit it. And if it's next month I don't think I'll be alive then.

I can't even do a proper SOA, because at the moment incomings = 0 and I don't know when that will change.

Larumbelle

*big hugs*

Do you not get any benefits at all?

Also have you spoken to work and let them know how desperately you need the money?

Please, please don't do anything to harm yourself. I have mental health issues as well and I know how black things can seem. I'm sending you a private message, click just above the forum menu to read it.

We are all here to help you and support you in any way you can. Remember that if you think you've got no-one.

Gale_10

Welcome love,

I am on the phone right now but as soon as I get off I will write more! You are not alone and we will all help you, you are doing well to take this first important step. We will give you advice.

Gale

BartGirl

Hotpoint

Hang in there.

Deep breaths my dear.

Firstly well done on having a job!! Some people really struggle so its really good that you've managed to achieve that.

Why dont u give work a quick ring and let them know that nothing went into your account and find out when they expect the money to go thru. Then maybe if it IS going to be a cheque you could find out when you'll expect to receive it ?

About the 'final demand' - i would not worry about that at this stage. Give them a quick ring explaining the fiance's no longer in the picture, you've just started new job and not been paid yet so can they give you some time - say 2 weeks ? At least that'll take u to months end..

In the meantime could u not borrow maybe a tenner or whatever you need so that you can get food in etc ? At least since you're working you'll be in a position to repay whoever u borrow it off...?

Best of Luck...

Spirit_2

Hello Hotpoint:hello:

I am sending you a hug (((((HUG)))) because it sounds as if you need one. If you have gone through several years of ill health and have got back to work you are doing incredibly well. Well done.

There are good people on this board who will be able to give you meaningful advice tailored to your needs, and they will be along soon. You have come to the right place.

Spirit

Gillianh2

Hi
First things first, can you ring your manager at work or get someone to do it on your behalf to enquire where your wages are. If they are to be paid buy cheque speak to your manager or supervisor whom ever you feel most comfortable with and explain the situation that you are in. I am sure that if it is a large company they will have something in place to make sure you can have access to your pay immediately.
Also as you have just started work you might need to check your benefit entitlment, as some benefits run on for the the first 28 days of your employment.
As for the debt letter, you need to draft a letter outlining your situation and offering to pay it off in instalments. Whatever you can afford if they wont accept it then let it proceed. (dont worry I am sure that they wont take it any further as they wouldnt want to incur more costs) and the court would take a very dim view of them pushing for court enforcement when you have already tried to make arrangements to pay.
))))))))))))))))HUG))))))))))))))))))))
Please Please try to keep calm and dont feel you are alone come here and vent and let us know how you get on.

Savvy_sewing

Hi Hotpoint.
First dont Panic. If you contact the company and say that you are in the process of changing your job, home situation etc, and ask them to please hold off going to court, most companies will wait. Ask them to send you the forms for an income/expenditure budget, this will hold them off a bit longer. What you received is a threatening letter that they send out as part of thecourse.Can you ask your local Job Centre Plus for a crisis loan? They can often help when you have nothing. If you really are out of food, you could find out where your nearest homless shelter type place is, there is usually somewhere you can go for a meal. I know in oxford there are 3 different places that give out sandwiches etc, and hot meals. If you have mental Health difficulties, speak to your councillors and ask them for their advice. Dont bury your head in the sand.
Go to your employer and ask them to give you an interim payment to help you through the transistion.
Hope this helps. Am a single mum with 4 growing teenagers/and have been single 13 years. You will survive if you face things and stop burying them in the sand.
Hope you are OK soon, and that some of this helps.

Hotpoint_2

silvercharming wrote: »

*big hugs*

Do you not get any benefits at all?

Also have you spoken to work and let them know how desperately you need the money?

Please, please don't do anything to harm yourself. I have mental health issues as well and I know how black things can seem. I'm sending you a private message, click just above the forum menu to read it.

We are all here to help you and support you in any way you can. Remember that if you think you've got no-one.

I don't get any benefits. I claimed JSA for a bit last year, but then they decided I wasn't eligible. And my psychiatrist was going to help me claim something, but then she went on holiday and when she came back she discharged me. I'm now on the waiting list to see someone else, but that will take 4 months.

Savvy_sewing

Hi Hotpoint.
First dont Panic. If you contact the company and say that you are in the process of changing your job, home situation etc, and ask them to please hold off going to court, most companies will wait. Ask them to send you the forms for an income/expenditure budget, this will hold them off a bit longer. What you received is a threatening letter that they send out as part of thecourse.Can you ask your local Job Centre Plus for a crisis loan? They can often help when you have nothing. If you really are out of food, you could find out where your nearest homless shelter type place is, there is usually somewhere you can go for a meal. I know in oxford there are 3 different places that give out sandwiches etc, and hot meals. If you have mental Health difficulties, speak to your councillors and ask them for their advice. Dont bury your head in the sand.
Go to your employer and ask them to give you an interim payment to help you through the transistion.
Hope this helps. Am a single mum with 4 growing teenagers/and have been single 13 years. You will survive if you face things and stop burying them in the sand.
Hope you are OK soon, and that some of this helps.

RAS

Hiya

I would suggest that you do not ring this lot if you can avoid it

I received a letter today saying it was a "final demand" and I have to pay £96.74 within 7 days or they'll take me to court. But I can't pay it, and because of the postal strike the 7 days are already up. The letter also talks about previous correspondence though, but I haven't had anything apart from normal the bank statements.

This is normal!! DCA bully tactics and scaremongering.

Write to them

Dear bully

Thank for you recent missive which was received on date, because of the postal strikes. I have no previous correspondence relating to this matter.

I do not acknowledge ANY debt to your company. .

I require you to supply the following documentation before I will correspond further on this matter.

1. You must supply me with a true copy of the alleged agreement you refer to. This is my right under your obligation to supply a copy of the agreement under the legislation contained within s.78 (1) Consumer Credit Act 1974 (s.77 (1) for fixed sum credit) - your obligation also extends to providing a statement of account. I enclose £1 in payment of the statutory fee.

2. A signed true copy of the deed of assignment of the above referenced agreement that you allege exists.

3. You are notified that you are obliged to supply these documents, whether you are the original creditor or not under S189 of the CCA 1974.

Non-compliance with my request is a criminal offence under the above Act and will result in a report being submitted to the relevant statutory authorities, therefore if I do not receive evidence that I owe your company any monies by (enter date 2007, I will have no hesitation in passing your details to the Office of Fair Trading.

As you are aware, a credit agreement that is not properly documented and signed by the customer is totally unenforceable under the CCA and therefore is a complete defence to any court claim that is issued.

Take note at this stage, that any legal action you may contemplate will be both vigorously defended and contested.

Yours.........


This will do two things

Even if you/BF have been paying, it will establish whether or not this mob are entitled to claim money off you (lots of people on here have paid debts for which there was no legal paperwork)

And it will give you a couple of weeks breathing space, as they cannot take action against you until they produce the CCA.

On a more urgent front, I am glad you found the 5p. I have been there in the past, so I would recommend that you also go through all your coat pockets, trouser pockets, bags, purses/wallets. Then ferret down the back of the sofa, under the bed etc. You might rustle something up.

It may be too late tonight but do you have a community nurse or social worker? Can you ring the emergency line and explain your plight. It may be possible to get very short term emergency funds or a food parcel. Alternatively, they may know someone who can help you ( is there a MIND emergency number in your phone book?).

What do you have in the fridge, freezer, cupboard? Make a list, head over to the Saving Money Old Style Board and see whether they can help you get through the weekend.

You could also speak to national debtline, or CAB and they may be able to help you sort out back payment of benefits.

Gale_10

Ok I am here now...........I was holding for Virgin Media, messing up my bill again!

I am sorry that you are in such dire straits, but we will all do our best to sort things out for you, and give you the best advice we can.

So the debts are not just yours, they are your partners as well. Is he likely to help pay them? Are they in joint names?

You could write to the people you have debts with and offer them a nominal monthly payment, that will buy you a bit of time.

You need to contact CAB, or Payplan or CCCS because they can give you proper professional advice. They will help you with all the financial problems and contact them on your behalf.

In the meantime, can you borrow any money from friends or family, just to keep you going until your cheque clears? You could go and get a crisis loan, you don't have to be on benefits to qualify for one.

Whatever you decide to do, remember to keep your health, particularly your mental health your number one priority. No-one can take what you haven't got, and your health is worth more than any amount of money.

Take care, and we will all support you here,

Gale