Hi, I'm into my second IVA year and things running smoothly. However, my current lodger is moving out in 4 wks time and although I've already advertised the room again (this is bringing in £300 per month and part of my IVA agreement, this is the money I live on for food/petrol each week as my wages go on bills etc.) I'm concerned that I may have an income level gap between my current lodger leaving and finding a new one?
I've already contacted DFD about this potential problem and I'm going to try to find out whether I'm entitled to any benefits as I can't work full-time owing to a long-term health condition I have. I work 32 hours per week which is fine, but it does create this shortfall and this is why i've ended up in debt.
Any advice gratefully achieved.
Also, I'm weighing up other options as well at the moment such as perhaps moving closer to my place of employment. I currently private rent and would look to do the same, I'm aware my IVA will affect my credit rating but would it have any bearing on my ability to find another property? I've never fallen behind on any of my rental payments (or other household bills) since I moved 7+ years ago. I got into debt trying to bridge my income gap using credit cards and loans.
Sorry for the long message but I feel it necessary to think of 'worse case' scenerio in this situation in case I can't find another lodger within the next four weeks.
I am so sorry to hear that you have health problems and hope that things improve for you.
Hopefully DFD will let you have a payment break whilst you sort out a new lodger, fingers crossed that one comes along soon.
You could try and rent somewhere else. Private agents don't always credit check.
You could make an anonymous call to agents in the area you are looking at to see if they credit check.
Speak to DFD in the first instance.
Sharing from experiences of dealing with debt
The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.
Bob Marley. http://kallis3.blogs.iva.co.uk
Hi Jackie - welcome to the forum. Sorry to hear about your ill health. I too have a long term health issue and have just dropped my hours to 30 (luckily just before the IVA was approved). As you are working, the only benefit you could claim is Disability Living Allowance. If you google it and go on the government website it will explain how to apply. If you need any help, ask Jan (kallis3) to pass on my email address to you and I'll see if I can give you any advice. I have this benefit (and work for the Dept!) so know how off putting some of these forms can appear!.
Have you applied for Housing Benefit? Not sure on the income rules, but I know there are plenty of customers claiming that are in full time work.
Thanks for your reply, much appreciated. Yes, fingers xd I can get another lodger soon as that will be the best solution - I've been lucky with my current one, he's been here two years!! [:)]
I'll be guided by what DFD advise, all a bit scary when things change on such a tight budget though and I have to try to keep everything as under control as I can so as not to provoke my condition further (I've had ME since 2004, it was the start of a domino effect as far as my finances were concerned as I could no longer work full time). The condition is improving year on year with some serious management by myself but i doubt I'll ever be able to return to full time work.
Easy getting into debt, nightmare trying to get out of it!!!
I've heard of DLA, but I'm not sure whether I'd qualify for it as I have ME, its covered under the DDA or whatever its called these days but not classed as a 'disability' for the purposes of everything else!!
Would Income Support be an option (I'm guessing not if you can't get it as you work similar hours to me, I work 32 instead of 30). I did claim housing benefit before getting a lodger but the lodger option is more cost effective. I'm hoping to go and speak to a CAB adviser soon so I'll see what I can/t claim.
DLA is disability living allowance and you may well qualify for it. Have a look at Directgov to see what it says as to whether you can apply.
Sharing from experiences of dealing with debt
The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.
Bob Marley. http://kallis3.blogs.iva.co.uk
You can claim for DLA if you have ME. ME is one of my conditions. It really depends how much it affects you. Care component is if you need help to do normal things, cooking, cleaning, dressing, washing etc. Mobility component is if you have trouble walking distances. One top though if you claim is to spend some time making notes of how your life is affected and fit it into the form. And don't be modest. Say how it is or it will be a straight no.
Not one of my benefits but you may be entitled to Working Tax Credits. Take a look at HMRC website. No you won't qualify for Income Support or ESA (the sickness benefits now) as you are working too many hours.
You may be entitled to the higher rate mobility as well, which means you can get a car throught the Motability scheme.
Sharing from experiences of dealing with debt
The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.
Bob Marley. http://kallis3.blogs.iva.co.uk
Thanks everyone, really helpful advice, it sounds like I need to relook at what I may be entitled to claim? [:)]
I work 32 hours per week at the moment and it is HARD WORK trying to keep on top of the condition and I spend most of my working life trying to keep the HR sickness review off my back. My previous employer tried to sack me for the condition so I have the 't-shirt' where run-in's with HR go - it took me two years and union help to make them see that they couldn't just sack me.
I'd happily work less hours if I could afford it but I live alone (apart from lodger) so my wage has to pay my bills.
Look into what you can claim via directgov - you'd be amazed. Juliw is our HR guru - hopefully she can pick up on this and you can get sorted if you need to.
Let us know how you get on.
Sharing from experiences of dealing with debt
The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.
Bob Marley. http://kallis3.blogs.iva.co.uk
Hi Jackie
If there is anything I can do to help, dont hesitate to drop me an email and i'll do what i can to help.
My contact details can be found in my profile.
Thanks Declan, I've just spoken to someone at DFD, I'm going to see what happens re: lodger situ and contact them again if I can't find another lodger before this ones leaves. Will keep you in mind if I have any questions in meantime, I will look into what benefits I might be entitled to if I can't find someone else. Trouble is my wages seem to be above any threshold for entitlement which in the scheme of things (I earn less than £20k) seems ridiculous!!
Jan - I've opened a new co-op current account now, yayy, goodbye to the £12.50 fee per month!! ))
Excellent news Jackie - much better to have a free account if you can and the Co-op are recommended.
Hope you can get everything else sorted out.
Sharing from experiences of dealing with debt
The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.
Bob Marley. http://kallis3.blogs.iva.co.uk
Pleased you have your co-op account sorted Jackie. I have had no problems with our account at all. If you want me to post a DLA form pack to you ask Jan on here to forward my email address to you and I'll pop one in the post to you. I can help you fill it out via email as well if need be.
Got a battle with my pension provider at the moment trying to prove my condition is permanent. Just when the IVA is sorted up pops another problem! I'd love to work but I am struggling with my 30 hours and just know I am just about keeping the ME attack off at the moment.
Keep posting on here and if I can help further don't hesitate to email.
