Mary was struggling with separation, debt and mental health issues due to the emotional time and needed some support and guidance with the debt solution. Within twelve months Mary was able to pay off her debts.
When Mary (name changed) first came to see us, she had just separated from her husband. She was still in the marital home, but with fewer possessions and furniture. She also had to deal with some debts which had been run up by her husband prior to the separation, as well as coping with bills now that she was living on her own. Mary was also struggling with her mental health issues due to the emotional time and needed some support and guidance with the debt solution.
How we worked with Mary:
We first helped Mary to complete a disability living allowance form, which enabled her to get some additional income. This was a big help and is a benefit that does not alter, even if Marys income was to increase.
We also looked at the debts that Mary was struggling to deal with.
These were rent and council tax arrears and four small (doorstop lenders, telephone and catalogue bills) owing just under 2,000.
We helped Mary to work out which debts were most important to pay (Priority Debts) and how to then deal with the other debts.
We went through an income and expenditure sheet with Mary which showed she had approximately 50 per week to offer her non-priority debts after paying her priority creditors. We then worked on Marys behalf and offers were made to creditors in accordance with how much was owed to them, in a way that Mary could afford.
We also helped Mary to apply for a Community Care Grant to buy essential new furniture Just over a 100 was awarded towards this, and as it was a grant she did not have to pay this back!
Within twelve months Mary was able to pay off her debts.