Using credit while in a dro

john26285

Hi there I am in a dro and my gas and electricity is running out and low on food I do not have any money till next Wednesday but I have a credit cards with a zero balance on it, am I able to use it? 

yksi

You might not be able to put utility credit on using a credit card anyway - it depends on the method of payment. You should call your providers and ask whether you can get some emergency credits to last you until Wednesday. I would then suggest you join Olio by installing the app on your phone (free food in your area) and check it every evening at 9.00pm as this truly is food that would otherwise go into the bin, there is no shame, you aren't taking a handout, you are protecting the environment by reducing waste. Find out where your local food banks are too, the best place to ask is on your local Facebook groups which are probably called "Ask Yourtown" or "Yourtown Group" or "Spotted in Yourtown". You will likely be able to ask about food banks anonymously there, or they might have a free food sharing group there.

All the best. And if you feel bad about accepting help, please don't. One day you will be in a better place and will be able to give back.

sourcrates

Under the rules of your DRO you can take credit of up to £500.

There are other options, as described above.

However, getting help from utility companies and foodbanks is not always very quick or very easy, so if the credit card account is still open and usable, and you must do it, then you must, you won`t be checked up on.

Only take what you need, just keep it quiet, try to budget better in future, not always easy I know.

john26285

Thank you both for your replies, yski I will look into that app you mentioned and sourcrates it is not quick at all I am with British Gas I am on pay as you go  and they never have anyone on weekends to help out with this type of thing, I’m planning to put £20 on gas and electric and £10 shopping for milk bread ? 

sourcrates

john26285 said:

Thank you both for your replies, yski I will look into that app you mentioned and sourcrates it is not quick at all I am with British Gas I am on pay as you go  and they never have anyone on weekends to help out with this type of thing, I’m planning to put £20 on gas and electric and £10 shopping for milk bread ? 

You do what`s best for you, good luck to you.

yksi

Bread is always available on Olio. It's what I throw in the bin most often. There are currently 9 loaves sitting inside my porch but I have only had 1 person request them, and they were only baked yesterday, it is so sad to bin it!

Milk comes up less often. It's fine to drink after its date as long as it's been kept cold and smells ok - this is why Morrisons is getting rid of use by dates!

Food banks can be tricky as some only accept referrals from doctors or the job centre. But most towns will have some kind of food help available in that way where you can just turn up / phone. They don't always advertise though, which is why you might need to ask your local Facebook group, someone in it will know the place to get help.

Like sourcrates said you have to do what's best for you. Even if that means you go straight to the supermarket today. Just keep the other options in mind for the future in case they are helpful to you.

JonVarnas

Just use the credit card. No point starving yourself, making yourself freeze in the cold, or living in the darkness - no ones gains from that, most importantly yourself.

MalMonroe

I'm so sorry that you're in this situation. There's some advice from StepChange that may help a bit, here -

https://www.stepchange.org/debt-info/emergency-funding.aspx#anchor3

Also, why not contact StepChange on Monday and ask to speak to an advisor about your situation? They will help you to sort out your budget, as suggested by sourcrates.

Citizens Advice could help, too.  https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/

Is there a food bank near you?

Nobody should be in this terrible situation in the 21st century and I wish you all the very best. I had a DRO a few years ago so I do understand your situation.