Need desperate advice with social fund repayment

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funkychick786
funkychick786 Posts: 24 Forumite
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in Benefits & tax credits
Hello

Might be a long read.

So I applied for Income support as a lone parent and took nearly 2.5months to get it sorted and in the meantime asked for emergency fund which they gave about 1 weeks worth.
They now take this off my weekly allowance.

9 years ago my ex took out a social fund, which I think was in my name - but last year they sent me a letter saying they will take it off my benefit (which was a joint wtc claim at that time). But since December 2017 my circumstances have changed, now a single parent to 5 kids. They stopped taking it from my wtc benefit once I informed the benefit office of my change.


They sent me another letter today saying they will be cutting more of my benefit to pay back. Already affected by the benefit cap, I am SOOO struggling to keep things afloat. With this on top I will not have enough to survive on as I am paying back so much debt on top.

I phoned them up after waiting 40mins on the phone to be answered by a rude man who cut the line on me.

I only asked for them to wait until my advanced payment had been paid off and they man said no he cant do that and I asked why not and explained my situation and then he said goodbye and cut the line.


I dont even know where to start by saying how I am feeling - the pressure of everything.


Anyone, someone PLEASE advice me how I am get them to take it after one payment has been paid back. Or what I can do in my circumstance.
I am begging.

Comments

  • funkychick786
    funkychick786 Posts: 24 Forumite
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    Was there really no one that could help me or give me advice? :(
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 0 Newbie
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    My only advice would be give them a call again and hopefully get put through to a friendlier member of their team.

    Don!!!8217;t quote me on this but I!!!8217;m sure you can ask the payments to be taken at a reduced rate if you are struggling but that!!!8217;s something you will need to discuss with them.

    You could contact CAB too and ask for any advice as they have staff that know about these things in more depth. Also they might be able to advise you of any other benefits you may be entitled too.
  • NeilCr
    NeilCr Posts: 4,430 Forumite
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    CAB is a good suggestion. They may have a debt specialist who could help, too, as it sounds like you have multiple debts - they may be able to speak to DWP on your behalf.

    Alternatively you could look at one of the debt charities - Stepchange or NationalDebtLine who would be able to offer online/telephone advice.
  • tboo
    tboo Posts: 1,379 Forumite
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    funkychick786 wrote: »
    Hello

    Might be a long read.

    So I applied for Income support as a lone parent and took nearly 2.5months to get it sorted and in the meantime asked for emergency fund which they gave about 1 weeks worth.
    They now take this off my weekly allowance.

    9 years ago my ex took out a social fund, which I think was in my name - but last year they sent me a letter saying they will take it off my benefit (which was a joint wtc claim at that time). But since December 2017 my circumstances have changed, now a single parent to 5 kids. They stopped taking it from my wtc benefit once I informed the benefit office of my change.


    They sent me another letter today saying they will be cutting more of my benefit to pay back. Already affected by the benefit cap, I am SOOO struggling to keep things afloat. With this on top I will not have enough to survive on as I am paying back so much debt on top.

    I phoned them up after waiting 40mins on the phone to be answered by a rude man who cut the line on me.

    I only asked for them to wait until my advanced payment had been paid off and they man said no he cant do that and I asked why not and explained my situation and then he said goodbye and cut the line.


    I dont even know where to start by saying how I am feeling - the pressure of everything.


    Anyone, someone PLEASE advice me how I am get them to take it after one payment has been paid back. Or what I can do in my circumstance.
    I am begging.


    If the benefit cap is affecting your Housing Benefit then ask your LA for a form for Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) - this may help for a short period
    “You’re only here for a short visit.
    Don’t hurry, don't worry and be sure to smell the flowers along the way.”
    Walter Hagen


    365 Day 1p Challenge for 2021 #41 ✅
    Jar £440.31/£667.95 and Bank £389.67/£667.95

  • funkychick786
    funkychick786 Posts: 24 Forumite
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    Thank you everyone, phoned up again and spoke to the manager, and he was such a lovely gentleman, he reduced it to an affordable rate for me.
  • Ezorqs
    Ezorqs Posts: 56 Forumite
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    When you say your ex partner took out the social fund... are you having to pay back this as well? If they took it out, then surely this would be their responsibility to pay off and not yours. You may wish to check.

    Also. Heads up, if you ever need a short term benefit advance due to the DWP not processing your claim, make sure to ask for a reduction in your social fund repayments before you ask for a short term benefit advance. The reason being is that they are taken into account in terms of affordability.
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