Personal loan question

[freshstart2233]

I am considering taking out a personal loan (not a huge figure, somewhere between 5-10k), as I need some medical care sooner rather than later and I can’t wait for the NHS.

In terms of the interest, is this fixed for the duration of the loan? Or is it variable?

Depends on the loan, but it will usually be fixed.

Usually fixed for the duration. Tesco and Sainsburys both have very good rates for personal loans at the moment.

Currently out of work at the moment but with the costs of living in such an inefficient flat my electric is costing almost £70 a week just to have the boiler on an hour a day, a dehumidifier (when windows are closed) because the black mould is rife during the winter despite opening windows during the day when the dehumidifier is off, not drying clothes in doors and heating on only at night in one bedroom for the kids. 🤯

If I took out a personal loan to consolidate my credit card debts so that I am not paying as much interest, will it affect my Universal Credit?

Do I need to tell them about it as the money would be going into my account first but then obviously paid straight to my cards and then all of those credit cards cancelled?

Just asking as I don't want to take the loan out if I'm going to be penalised for it?

I've always worked up until having kids 2 years ago and once they are old enough to give me that time to get back in work I'll be going back but in the meantime I'm quite literally stuck in this situation.

Thank you