Can't pay the bills
When you can't pay the bills, the last thing you need is the feeling of embarrassment and stigma that comes with being poor. TheSite is here to help.
Deal with your debts
By getting your finances in some sort of order, you're likely to feel a great weight lifted off your chest. This doesn't mean miraculously clearing all debts within the month; it means setting goals, and putting a plan together of how to tackle your money woes over a longer period.
Some good places to start:
- If you can't pay your rent, discuss the problems with your landlord/ housing agency. Don't just stop paying. If you are up front about your cash flow problems, they may be more understanding, offering you a longer time to pay the money you owe.
- Prioritise all your outgoings. Utility bill payments can often be deferred, nights out can be cancelled. Make sure you have a roof over your head and food to eat, then work out what else you can afford. Call National Debtline on 0808 8084000 to help you get back on track.
- Contact your creditors in writing. Send them a proposed repayment scheme, one you feel you can afford. If they are not happy with it, don't worry. If they take you to court, the court will only order you to make repayments that you will be able to afford.
- If you are a student, apply for an Access payment. While this can take a while to come through, once they have accepted your claim, you can tell your landlord, and they'll get off your case for a while. Most universities also have an accommodation fund for those of you whose rent is higher than average. Ask your academic registry for more information.
- Find out if you are entitled to some form of housing benefit. Available to lone parents, when your partner is a student with a child, international student and people who are disabled or have a long-term illness. Paid in arrears but will help out later.
- Speak to your bank. If you find out you are eligible for some of the above funds you could go to your bank with some form of written confirmation that you are expecting this money and they may give you a temporary overdraft extension or loan to cover you until the other cash arrives.
- Phone home. Much as you may want to cope by yourself, if you've tried all the above and failed to get some cash together, try your relations. You may feel embarrassed but if you ask them for a loan rather than a handout, and show willing to get your finances in order after this, they may help you out.
- Get a job. If you're not working already, getting a job is one of the easiest ways of getting some money together, although you could be waiting for up to a month before that first wage packet arrives.
What you should not do:
- Panic. Getting flustered, embarrassed and/or teary isn't going to get the cash together, nor is pretending everything is OK. You need to stay calm and work out a plan of action. Remember, you can't be evicted without a court order, and that could take weeks to arrive.
- Expect friends or flatmates to bail you out. If you're only a little behind, your mates may offer to help you out, but making a habit of this won't go down well.
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