For Super Sue
For Super Sue Hi Sue.
I would just like to thank you i took advice you gave to Lynn on going the Social security. I too have been struggling financially since being DX . I was at breaking point untill i read your post, i swallowed my pride gave them a ring and they are helping to sort out my rent arrears, aparently i could of been having housing benefit since the begining of DX.
Thank you.
Love Jo x x x
Hi Jo Hi Jo,
I’m very glad to have been of assistance. Financial worries on top of everything else is awful.
[For Jo and anyone else reading this post and worried about money matters, check with Social Security and the Citizens’ Advice Bureau. if you have any debts it’s worth seeing a debt councellor. A friend of mine used to work as one. She would organize for people to pay their debts (to banks, credit card companies, shops, etc.) back at a very low rate, even as low as a couple of pounds a month. It is worth noting that banks etc. prefer to be paid back slowly rather than not at all. Also if you’ve never been in debt before they know that you’ll eventually get back on your financial feet. A word of warning - don’t go to loan sharks and if you are tempted to do so don’t use your house as security.]
With very best wishes,
Sue
Hi Jo (Second message from Supersue Hi Jo,
Can I also point you and everyone else to Lolag’s advice on the ‘I need help’ thread.
I hope that Lolag doesn’t mind me copying it to here.
[[ Hi Lynn
I’m a money and benefits adviser (currently off on sick-leave) and I see people in your position a lot. Going from being considered a lone parent to a single person means a big drop in income and can cause financial problems which just spiral.
If you are putting out more than you are getting in the situation will continue to get worse as I’m sure you are aware. There ARE solutions but I agree with Supersue that you need proper advice and represenation.
First of all you need a proper benefit check - forget the DWP (ex-social security). They are useless at benefit checks. Ideally you want an independent advice agency or welfare rights officer from Social Services. If not, CAB, although in my opinion they are hit and miss. If you choose CAB my advice is to pick a main office within a major town rather than a small, local satellite office as the bigger onces are usually better resourced.
(I did my training at CAB so I know what I’m talking about.)
You also need someone to look at your debts and bank charges. I’d recommend a debt counsellor which are often provided by your local council. They will never encourage you to take out a loan - their job is to negotiate with people you owe money to in order to relive your financial burden while you are unable to work.
Whatever you do don’t go to a fee-charging debt company. They have a bad reputation and are charging you for a service you are entitled to for free.
If you feel you need to go back to work make sure you get advice on claiming Working Tax Credit through the
‘disability route’. If you qualify it often means you can work part-time and the tax credits top you up to a full time wage.
The system is complicated but experienced advisers know how to navigate it.
Get thee to an independent adviser!
Good luck
Lola x ]]