Bailiff and Committal

[fauxfoxx]

Hi, I'm in desperate need of some advice.

I'm 29, married and in a pretty desperate financial position. Rent from the local authority, have no assets other than a rickety car, both full time university students. Both receive £9300 a year in student maintenance grants and loans. Husband receives £700 a month extra from a part time job. I receive £200 a month PIP. No other income.

A bailiff knocked on the door today but we didn't let him in for my council tax bill. I owe £640 from 2011-14 and the credit recovery company has added fees to make this £980. The only thing I could offer was £50 a month to the bailiff said he was sending it back to the council for committal.

DH and I panicked and called Debt Advice Solutions who suggested I might be eligible for an IVA. Had to send some details like photo ID and student finance breakdowns. Sent some but stopped at the rent cost to ask for advice. Something doesn't feel right.

My credit file says I'm in £7,500 of short term debt with others closed. With no assets and not a lot of money to pay, what are my options? My credit score is 1/5 and just up from very poor so it's clear I know nothing about money and have got myself up shits creek so I thought it best to ask advice before I carry on.

Pressed send too soon.

I'm aware the bailiff may be using committal as a scare tactic but I am terrified. He's not been in our property but I was advised to keep all doors and windows locked by this company and to send documents ASAP so they can get the ball rolling to see if I'm eligible.

I contacted the bailiff and said I couldn't afford £100 a month and he said there's nothing he can do. Contacted their head office and they said the same. First bailiff in years. I'm nine weeks pregnant and have two other children. I'm terrified and the council said they can't set up a payment plan with me as it's in the hands of the debt collectors.

Just searched company house. The only director is the woman I just spoke to and they have been registered since January 2017. Is something fishy?

Call a free service like Stepchange to review your debt and discuss options. They can negotiate on your behalf but you need to be really honest with them and be prepared to review your household budget.

Hello, if you already have children are you not already claiming child benefit and tax credits for them? What about housing benefit towards your rent?

In the short term both you and dh can approach your uni welfare office and ask for an application to the hardship fund. They are usually quick and you could have some money in your account this week.

Also, with your monthly income of £2450 are you able to post a breakdown of your outgoings as we may be able to help you make some savings that could take the pressure off.

The company may be perfectly legitimate. But I would still call someone like Step Change as they are well known and so will probably have more clout.

And as suggested, approach the Uni.