Don't know what to do

[QueenofDreams]

I'm fucked. Well and truly fucked.
After DS was born, I couldn't go back to the job I was in (totally unsuitable for family life, and no clients in the are we had moved to) unfortunately, the bloody recession had hit in this time as well. We really didn't anticipate that after a year of looking for work I wouldn't have something new.
I had a formal overdraft limit of £1500, it wasn't maxed out, but I thought I could gradually chip away at it to pay it off. Well that is till the damn bank decided to withdraw the facility and phone me up demanding the full $1200 back. Which I obviously don't have.

I can't claim benefits as I have a partner who works full time. He earns enough to keep us alive, but not enough to help me pay off the overdraft. The temping agency I signed up with 3 MONTHS ago has still failed to register me on their books, despite repeated phonecalls, and me sending every scrap of information they want. I'm pregnant with DC2, have no hope of any money coming in, the bank phone me every single day to demand money and are now saying they're going to 'withdraw all banking facilities'
I can only afford to pay back £20 a month, and this doesn't help as that only covers the interest it's accruing every month.

I'm wearing clothing with holes in, because I can't afford to buy new clothes. I don't go anywhere or do anything to avoid spending money, and still I am absolutely fucked and I don't know what to do.

Please someone tell me this will be ok somehow, because I just can't see this working out.

I'm sorry I cant offer much practical advice but you sound so upset. You will be ok, things will work out. Have you been to citizens advice to see if theycan help? Is there anyone you can borrow any money off? (I mean family)? Have you explained all of this to the bank?Go in and tell someone face to face. explain situation and that you are willing to pay back but the max you can do etc etc. Ask if they can stop the interest for 6months or even just a couple.
Hope that helps a bit.
Sending big hug to you.
x

Thanks - Family can't lend me any money as they're all up the creek financially as well.
I'm just sitting here crying. I need to win the lottery or something.

Firstly you cannot pay what you have not got!

Secondly open a bank account with another bank, apply for a basic account only so you are not offered an overdraft, cheque book, or credit card etc.

Next contact one of the organisations that offer FREE advice for those in financial difficulties. I recommend Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS), check out their website on www.cccs.co.uk or call their free phone helpline on 0800 11 11 11 8am-8pm, Mon-Fri.

The bank you are with are just following normal collection proicesses at the moment and you should call them and organise an appointment.

Am not sure how you think you can even afford £20.00 if you are not earning, so don't offer more than you can realistically afford. Prepare a budget (CCCS have one online).

Dont stress and worry too much about this, to them you are just a bank account number not a real person at the moment so all you will get is automated letters etc.

Good luck and try and get it sorted sooner than later to ease your mind.

cat spoke to cccs today. they reckoned I have a surplus of £3 per month
Not really sure where to go from here, but at least it's a start.