Help get this topic noticed by sharing it on Twitter Twitter, Facebook Facebook, or email.
stevenmiddleweek
sad I’m frustrated
stevenmiddleweek December 01, 2011 17:43

going into debt after benefits cut

i was recently on income support and sickness benefit and was required to sit through a 'medical' assessment. i was in debt prior to this assessment and had just managed to clear most of it.
after my assessment all of my benefits were stopped abruptly, the only explanation given was that i didn't gain any points (0) out of a possible 15. this inc. housing, C/tax,income and sickness benefit. i have now signed on JSA with ESA pending appeal. but my debts from my bills are mounting up to a tipping point again. what is my legal standing with regards to this matter? s.middleweek.
1 person has
this question +1
Reply

  • Mike Morgan EMPLOYEE
    Mike Morgan (Employee) December 06, 2011 13:26
    Hi Steven,

    Thanks for your question. I can’t advise on the legal side of things, but I can give you some advice regarding your debts. The first thing I would suggest you do is prioritise your bills. If the bills that you are talking about are things like gas and electricity then you need to ensure you are in contact with the companies involved to keep them abreast of the situation. If you are referring to credit bills, then my advice would be to work out a budget and if there is any money left over then use this to pay your credit card bills on a pro rata basis (meaning that the amount you pay to each creditor is proportionate to what they are owed). As ever, if applicable, any debts with your bank need to be sidestepped by opening a new account with another bank, this will ensure your funds are “safe” from the bank which you owe money to. From there you can review your long term options, which, depending on the situation, may be debt management plan (http://www.cleardebt.co.uk/debt-manag...) , debt relief order or another debt solution.

    I also think it might be worth having a chat with an organisation like Shelter (http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_adv...) who may be able to assist you with your legal questions.
    Comment
    good answer! good answer! (undo)
  • (some HTML allowed)
    How does this make you feel?     Add Image
    I'm

    e.g. kidding, amused, unsure, silly indifferent, undecided, unconcerned sad, anxious, confused, frustrated happy, confident, thankful, excited

    Cancel