Question for Stepchange

Barbie61

Hi, I am currently still on flexi-furlough which is a wonderful thing but has made life so much more difficult.  I read a post this morning which suggests that Stepchange are recommending breathing space before commencing the DMP.  I do wish I'd  received this advice as they started mine immediately and I have lived without any back up for over 3 years now - as you can imagine this has been difficult without full time work and I live with freezer and cupboards very bare whilst looking after my dogs. The vets have been amazing and I'm eternally grateful for their patience.  I'm almost grateful for lockdown because I haven't had the worry of people calling in with my lack of food and drinks to offer.  My question really is - can you assure me this is now policy going forward because I wouldn't want anyone else to go without like I have. 

Sncjw

Wouldn't it be different on different circumstances though 

sourcrates

You would have been better off posting this in the stepchange debt advisors thread, but I can tell you that "breathing space" has only recently been introduced by Government, and is now policy across the board.

You can only apply for it via the debt charities, however, in reality creditors will give you space and time anyway if you tell them you need it, I've said this 1000 times, but the debt collection process is very slow, and can take months or even years, so if you need time aside, just tell them your intentions, and take it.

StepChange_Aidan

Barbie61 said:

Hi, I am currently still on flexi-furlough which is a wonderful thing but has made life so much more difficult.  I read a post this morning which suggests that Stepchange are recommending breathing space before commencing the DMP.  I do wish I'd  received this advice as they started mine immediately and I have lived without any back up for over 3 years now - as you can imagine this has been difficult without full time work and I live with freezer and cupboards very bare whilst looking after my dogs. The vets have been amazing and I'm eternally grateful for their patience.  I'm almost grateful for lockdown because I haven't had the worry of people calling in with my lack of food and drinks to offer.  My question really is - can you assure me this is now policy going forward because I wouldn't want anyone else to go without like I have. 

Hi,

I’m sorry to hear that you’ve been struggling. Please bear in mind that you’re not expected to have to do without while you’re in a DMP. If you need to reduce your monthly payment or would like further advice, please get in touch with us for a review.

Breathing Space is a new Government backed scheme which allows you to apply for up to 60 days protection from creditors while you are getting debt advice or are setting up a debt solution. We’re offering it to all eligible people who contact us for debt advice.

There’s some more information about the Breathing Space scheme here.

Previously, we recommended that our clients contact their creditors directly to let them know that they’re receiving advice from StepChange and to request a 30 day hold on their debts while their plan is being set up.

I hope this helps.

Aidan