debt and post office mastercard

katygro

I recently had to leave my job to take care of my mother who is disabled and am in receipt of a carers allowance, about £40 a week. I took out a loan to pay off my credit cards, except one, which I dont have the money to pay for, not even the minimum payment, £50 a month.

I wrote to them and explained my circumstances with a financial statement of ingoings, outgoings, asking them to temporarily freeze any action on the account including interest and they wrote back saying no, you owe this and failure to pay the last two months (due to postal strikes I didnt even recieved this months bill anyway) by 15th october - (monday, and I only recieved it today, saturday 13th), will result in them taking 'further action,' they also said a default is in place against the account.

To clarify, I accidently forgot to pay last months, but as soon as they wrote to me a few weeks ago I paid them, and this letter seems to have come before that payment went through, so yes I missed a payment but it was a mistake and I actually paid it using my overdraft facility, which has now run out. And they are threatening me, now.

I simply dont have the money, full stop. What should I do? They are refusing to co-operate.

JoeHel

I'm afraid I'm not an expert on benefits, but surely you are entitled to more than that?! Even if you didn't have debts, who on earth can live on £40 a week?!

katygro

Quite, under the age of 25, job seekers allowance is only abbout that.. maybe 10 more.. anyhow, I am in the process of applying for income support on top of that but it wont be much more, possibly bring it up to 50 something a week.....

JoeHel

Do you have any other family who could maybe help? I completely understand your situation in that if my mum was alone and needed me I would do whatever I had to to take care of her, but if I sacrificed my salary and was that much worse off I would need my brother and sister to help me out financially by taking that responsibility on. If not, is your mum entitled to any regular assistance that may give you enough time free to take on a part-time job? You're doing an amazing thing and I can't believe there's so little support for carers like you.

katygro

I am afraid that there is no one else to help. My siblings are not concerned and are far removed from the situation. I do anticipate getting back into work in a month or so, as by then my Mum should have further support from social workers and occupational therapists. At present I am the only one to help and therefore cannot pay any bills.

JoeHel

My only suggestion would be to speak to the ones who are hassling you and explain you'll be back at work soon and able to sort out a repayment plan, but in the meantime you have nothing to give them. I can't believe they can't show any sympathy for your situation. Best of luck. x

Chubacca

You should be entitled to jobseekers or income support in addition to your carers allowance.

Visit this website
http://www.disabilitybenefits.co.uk/

And also this website will check you are getting all the benefits you can:

http://www.entitledto.co.uk

You can still work and be in receipt of carers allowance too.

EDIT: I did a quick assesment for you and carers allowance is £48.65 per week - if you are single, not having any more income coming in, you should be entitled to an extra £37.65 per week in income support/jsa giving you a total of £87 per week.

Obviously I do not know your circumstances and did the test presuming that this was your only income.

katygro

Thanks guys.. I looked up that site and correct, I do have no other income. As I am over the age of 25 it put me at having a total of 111 a week with income support. Hopefully when income support gets approved things should be a little easier.

kg

Homework

Go to Citizens Advice or if you have a Carers organisation near you for help. Welfare Rights at the council could perhaps help you too.

They can call them and perhaps explain your circumstances and perhaps negotiate with them. They can also help you fill in your Income Support claim forms and word a request for backdating on your claim as it is not usually backdated.

katygro

Got a letter today, telling me that If I don't pay my min. payment by 22nd they will turn it over to debt collection and take further action. Quoting jargon 'as per our terms and conditions..' blah blah

This is ridiculous, I missed one payment,... and I didn't even receive a statement, postal strikes.. etc. They said they will continue to add interest but that a default notice has been issued. They wrote this letter Oct 3 at which point I had accidentally missed a payment, but it has subsequently been paid, like maybe on the 5th/6th..

going to citizens advice tomorrow..