www.iva.co.uk

I have been off work on sick leave for some time (october 07). I supplement my normal pay with overtime and travelling time and thats what has made things go pear shape as I have crones and had a minor op then a major crones flare up. I am returning to work next week hopefully but will certainly not be able to do extra hours in the short term. My husband says he will write to all my creditors with my authorising him to do so and explain that I am finding it difficult at the moment, explain I have been unwell and offer them a token payment and review in say 4 - 6 months time. We need to do it this way as the idea of speaking to them on the phone is making me worse and I can't have a situation where I don't get back to work (I am the main earner and only a few weeks sick pay left). I haven't worked it out properly yet but I think I can offer about 20% or 30% of the minimum payment. I think its better that I don't mention that things might not get better as not only is my health going to prevent me doing overtime (if there is any when I get back although my job is stressful and means travelling to meetings so there probably will be), it may be that I have to drop a few hours on medical grounds. I will be going back on part working hours and part sick pay for a couple of months and then see what happens. I have been taking in all the blogs on the forum and I feel I will probably have to do an IVA or DMP but I feel its better just to buy some time so I can see what my health/work situation is in a few months time. Any advice appreciated because this situation is making me feel worse and I can't afford not to get back to work.

Hi and welcome
Why not use a company to arrange a DMP for you now and save some of the hassle ?
Your husband may be ale to arrange reduced payments direct with your creditors but he must stress your recent illness,however some may not play ball and I fear may make you ill again.
Regards

Andy - thanks for the quick reply. I was thinking of just a temporary measure because I don't know what things will be like in say 3 months time ie whether my salary will have to go down due to reduced hours or whether thinks will improve. I have been thinking an IVA may be the best solution because of my liabilities but like I mentioned if my salary has to reduce in a few months time then presumably the situation would have to be reviewed. I am also still going through this "can I really manage or have I failed my family". As previously mentioned my husband is also ill and has a chronic disabilitating condition so he doesn't earn a great deal. Think thats why I became ill in the first place because I have always had the responsibility of earning, caring and sorting.

Hi
Many of us,including myself,plod on for months thinking that the situation will miraculously sort itself out,it's quite normal as is the feeling of failure[although you're not].
Can you pay your contractual payments in full when you are working and not relying on overtime ? If not then you do need to consider a more formal long term solution.
Try asking for three months reduced payments,say 20% of the contracted amount,until you are back on your feet or decide to look for a solution
Regards

Thanks for the reply Andy. Yes I know I have to sort things out properly and no I can't meet commitments without overtime. Not burieing (spelling?) my head in the sand just want some breathing space to come to terms with the situation. I have mentioned before I did talk to payplan and they just were so judgemental it made be feel dreadful and couldn't cope.

Hi
There are many companies that you could use,the best advice that I can give you is to use this forum until you are ready to choose a solution and a company.No one will judge you and you will receive unbiased advice not only from professional experts but from people who are going through,or have been through,exactly what you are experiencing.
Let us know how you get on
Regards

We have a number of clients who have viewed a DMP as a possible temporary "holding position" until it becomes more clear for them what the best long-term solution will be.

In the right circumstances this can be a really sensible approach as options are kept open.

Hi elizabethr

I hope you are ok as I have a friend who suffers from crones and it is a very painful condiion.
Stress and worrying seems to make the condition worse for her, so please look after yourself and don't push yourself too hard.

I hope you find a suitable solution and are feeling better soon
Emma

emma - just checked blog and seen your reply. I am finding this forum so supportive. Really stressed about going back to work as well but shouldn't be too bad once I get there. Glad I found this forum and all responses helping towards my way forward - I will get there in the end.

Hi elizabethr

I just wanted to add my good luck wishes to Emma's. I am sure that you will find a solution ... the most important thing is that you look after yourself and take care of your health. There is lots of support here for you, so keep in touch with the Forum and let us know how you are getting on. [:)]

Debbie