Worried about money or debt? StepChange will be here to answering your questions from Wednesday 27th – Friday 29th July.

[JuliaMumsnet]

Hello

We know so many of you are struggling to make ends meet in this cost of living crisis, and, according to a survey we've released today, are even already 'sick with worry' about being able to afford heating or presents at Christmas.

So with that in mind, we’re running a Q&A with debt charity Stepchange about everything debt related. Are you worried you're getting into debt? Are you struggling to manage your debt? No question is too stupid so please make use of this Q&A if you need it. You can start asking questions from right now. Here’s more from Stepchange:

“Many find debt hard to talk about – but it shouldn’t be an uncomfortable subject.

With the rising cost of living and the additional costs that summer can bring, we’re encouraging people to open up about their money worries and join the #DebtConversation.

We’re here to answer your questions about money worries or debt. We’re also encouraging you to share your personal tips that may support others in the forum. Let’s keep having those important conversations!

Here at StepChange, we recognise that many people find it difficult to talk about debt, that’s why we provide free, non-judgmental, and confidential debt help to thousands of people every year. Our advice and solutions are based on a comprehensive assessment of your situation. We also provide practical help and support for however long it’s needed.

If you need free and confidential debt help that’s specific to your situation, please use the online debt advice service here: Debt Help, or use our Contact Us page.

We would recommend anyone who’s struggling with living costs to visit our cost of living hub.

Get any of your debt questions answered here.

From 10am on Wednesday 27th July until 4pm on Friday 29th of July, trained advisors from StepChange Debt Charity are here and waiting to answer any of the questions surrounding debt or money worries that you may have. We're a friendly bunch so please don’t be shy!

Important: The advice and help provided to an individual poster is based only on the information provided by that poster. Advice on this thread is also particular to the individual who has asked for it and is likely to be specific to that person’s situation. A poster may have provided further relevant information by private message which will not appear on this thread.

Important: FCA regulations mean that StepChange is unable to give full debt advice or recommend any debt solutions through this Money Matters forum on Mumsnet. If they feel you’d help from getting a full debt advice session, they’ll mention that in the reply.”

My DM left the UK in the mid 1960's. She is 85 and receives a state pension from Dept Works & pensions paid into her o/s account monthly. This pension increased when DD died several years ago to 53.77 pounds per week, however the money she receives seems very low compared to what I can see on their website, and it hasn't increased annually.

She has been living in a hospital since DD died, and their fees have increased with a substantial difference between what her pensions cover, and what little is left of the house sale money. I have written to DWP using their international address and emails, however they won't reply to emails and I'm not available during their opening hours to call, being at opposite ends of the map.

I also haven't received a reply from them in the mail either apart from the return of the PoA documents. It is very frustrating to try and do business with them..

Should DM be receiving more? Should she be receiving a supplement as she is in a care situation and her assets depleted?

thankyou.

We are sorry to hear that your DM seems to be receiving a low pension amount and is also having to deal with increasing costs. Pensions advice is very complicated and you may also need some legal advice.
Stepchange doesnt provide specialist pensions advice, however we would recommend speaking to Citizens Advice www.citizensadvice.org.uk/ who should be able to provide further help. Money helper also give free pensions guidance www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/pensions-and-retirement. There is information at the International Pension Centre too www.gov.uk/international-pension-centre which may help.
If she is struggling financially or has debt concerns we may be able to advise further, but we would recommend getting the pension advice and information first. www.stepchange.org/debt-advice-start.aspx
Best of luck.

I'm on income-based ESA, PIP and Housing Benefit. I'm finding it hard to save enough other than for food, what will happen in the Autumn when my gas bills will go up?

Hi I am on sick leave since Jan 2022 and have been sent ssp1 form to claim benefits. My outgoings are about £900 per month. Today was the last pay I received which was comprised of my half pay and ssp. I dont get financial help from my partner either and have two children. I am sick with worry how am I going to keep up with my monthly payements and expenses. I dont know what I can claim in benefits and how much it will cover my loans and monthly payements. I am uncertain to when I will resume back as I am going through scans and tests for lymphoma and other things and things are just being delayed with long waiting times and shortage of staff in health service.
Please advise what I can claim apart from ESA. I get child benefit and I have also applied for PIP as my health condition has restricted 80% movement in my right arm. Is there any other help I can claim until I am fixed and resume work? Also what can I do about the loan payements ?

Why would they be paying a care supplement when she hasn't lived in the UK for over 50 years ? She would not be eligible for pension credit or a disbaility benefit as she isn't resident here. Her Uk pension is based on Ni contributions made many years ago and if she hasn't lived or worked here for 50 years then that is likely why her state pension is low ! Unless i am massively missing something.

I have no idea, that is why I have written to DWP to see what its all about and how it works.

From what DM & DD told me in the past, this is money they paid while working into a pension/superannuation type scheme and thus they are entitled to claim it upon retiring.

having superannuation plans of my own, I don't understand why the payments wouldn't increase or if its something (such as when Mum became a widow) that needs to be applied for.

Either or, I am Power of Attorney and pay her accounts. As her expenses are increasing, I need to ensure everything is being claimed as it should be, and no one volunteers information unless its asked for...

Hi there, thanks for your question.

We would recommend that you either give us a call on 0800 138 1111 (Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat 8am-4pm), or go online at www.stepchange.org to complete a tailored budget for your household. This can be used to see if you are eligible for any support with your gas and other utility providers.

You may also find it helpful to contact Turn2us, a charity that can help you make sure you're getting all the benefits you're entitled to. Call them on 0808 802 2000 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) or you could visit their website at www.turn2us.org.uk/

We hope this helps.

Hi there, thanks for your question.

It sounds like you've got a lot going on at the moment. The good news is we can help. We would recommend that you either give us a call on 0800 138 1111 (Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat 8am-4pm), or go online at www.stepchange.org. Our help and advice is completely free and confidential.

You may also find it helpful to contact Turn2us, a charity that can help you make sure you're getting all the benefits you're entitled to. Call them on 0808 802 2000 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) or you could visit their website at www.turn2us.org.uk/

If the loans you mentioned are not secured on your home, then we would usually call these 'non priority' debts. This is because even if you fall behind on them for a while, the consequences are much less serious than falling behind with priority things like rent, gas, electricity, council tax etc. It's important that you try to keep up with priority expenses if you can.

We hope this helps!

my dd has received a bill from their gas company saying they have £1000 in arrears. They have had a prepayment meter since moving in and wonder how this can happen?

This has now closed. Many thanks all for your questions and huge thanks to Stepchange and its experts for taking the time to answer them.