Really need help ASAP

in Debt-free wannabe
38 replies 4.7K views
Hi there,

I would like some help on my situation.

I lost my long term job yesterday due to company closing down. I have been told my last pay will be low because company doesn’t have the capacity to pay my full salary.

I have a credit card currently with £1,600 on and another £1,860.

If I tell them I can’t pay my credit cards all on interest free, will they allow me to pay a final settlement much lower. 

I also own a house with allot of equity so very concerned about this, all credit cards are unsecured debts. 

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Replies

  • tacpot12tacpot12 Forumite
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    Although it may take time, you can claim some of your unpaid wages and redundancy from the Government Insolvency Service: have a read of the information here:  What to do when you've been made redundant - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

    You can probably claim Jobseekers Allowance, and should do so as soon as you are no longer an employee. You might look to see what other benefits you might be entitled to (based on your circumstances) using the benefits calculator at Benefits Calculator - entitledto - independent | accurate | reliable

    I can't advise about your credit card debts as this isn't something I know anything about. Sorry you find your self in this situation. I hope you secure a new job quickly as this is the best way to preserve your credit rating and your sanity. 
    The comments I post are my personal opinion. While I try to check everything is correct before posting, I can and do make mistakes, so always try to check official information sources before relying on my posts.
  • GrumpelstiltskinGrumpelstiltskin Forumite
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    Right firstly don't panic, nothing terrible is going to happen.

    In order for us to give you the best advice of the way forward you need to compete a SOA and post it on here.

    SOA Calculator (lemonfool.co.uk)this is the link you need.
     Complete it, format for MSE and copy and paste on here.
    If you go down to the woods today you better not go alone.
  • EssexHebrideanEssexHebridean Forumite
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    I'm so sorry to hear what an awful situation you've found yourself in - it must have been a real shock, too.

    First things first IMO, is to establish whether you have sufficient income this month to cover the minimum payments on your cards. If you do not, then you may as well call the card providers immediately, explain the situation, and ask for them to give you breathing space while you sort yourself out. 

    Definitely complete the SOA as suggested above - that will also help you to clearly see what you can cover payments to, and what you can't. 
    🎉 MORTGAGE FREE 30/09/2016 🎉
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  • sourcratessourcrates Forumite
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    Don`t worry about your debts, just write a simple letter to each creditor explaining your circumstances, they will put all your accounts on a temporary hold, for a period of time, after which they will want an update, if nothing has changed, it will be rinse and re-peat.

    Affordability is the key thing at the moment, creditors are well aware of this, all you have to do is tell them your situation, all will be fine.
    Ex MSE Board Guide.

    More than a third of IVA`s fail....fact.
    Could A Debt Relief Order help you ?
    Never pay a fee for a Debt Management Plan.
    For free non-judgemental debt advice, contact either : Stepchange, National Debtline, or CitizensAdviceBureaux.
  • lostmyjobyesterday37lostmyjobyesterday37 Forumite
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    Thanks for your reply.

    can they take personal assets my home I share with my wife or my car etc? 


  • Bonfire_BrideBonfire_Bride Forumite
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    Hello. I am so sorry to hear you're in this position. I'm sure you will be back on your feet in no time. 

    Credit Card companies cannot touch your home as it is unsecured debt. Please dont worry about that. 
  • lostmyjobyesterday37lostmyjobyesterday37 Forumite
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    Hello. I am so sorry to hear you're in this position. I'm sure you will be back on your feet in no time. 

    Credit Card companies cannot touch your home as it is unsecured debt. Please dont worry about that. 
    I was worried they can get a ccj against me and then get a high court bailiff?
  • MarticoMartico Forumite
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    So sorry about your job loss, that's really tough.

    And just to try to give some more reassurance, @sourcrates knows what they're talking about and always gives solid and helpful advice. I can't add any more to those words of wisdom. 
  • TheAbleTheAble Forumite
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    In any case, contractually you only have to make the minimums right? Even if you have to pay some interest in the worst case, it's not as if you have to pay it all back in one go.

    As Sourcrates says though, talk to your lenders to explain the situation and they'll likely help you out with it.
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