no income and lots of bank charges

[pinkpoodle19]

I am 22 and have been unemployed since 6th January , I asked the job centre for help but they only offer careers advice if someone has signed on for 6 months or more. I haven't had any � yet as it is takin 6 weeks 2 process claims. I cancelled every direct debit I didn't need but I still have to pay my car insurance and installment off a loan I had to take out last year due to my overdraft being so high I couldn't get out of it. I know the reason I can't get a job is because I was signed off work for 6 months last year with serious depression and in this time I attempted suicide. When employers see I have a gap I think they just say no. I went to the bank to explain I couldn't keep paying these �30 charges as I had no income and the bank manager told me to borrow it from a friend or family member which I have been doing non stop so I owe them so much money. I was given a number to call at my bank where they will help u sort yourself out if you have money problems which I called up but because they helped me last year and gave me a loan they said they cannot do anything this time. I rang the bank crying my eyes out today as yet another charge had been taken and the man on the phone was really sympathetic but said there is nothing he can do. I don't know what else to do, citizens advice can't help me as they say it isn't a serious issue but I just feel so down it is making me ill, I am just being fobbed off everytime I ask for help. I really want a job but I seriously can't find one anywhere, no one will employ me because I was ill for six months. I heard the job centre can give you an advance on your benefits but when I ask about it they just make excuses and say my money should be with me soon. I have tried employment agencies but when they see my CV they just say that they have nothing for me.

[clarins]

The bank cannot make you pay the charges. You are entitled to ask them to refund all the charges that you have paid, and remove those outstanding. See www.bankchargeshell.co.uk/charges.html. I have done and it works.

Good Luck

[AniaSM]

The first thing you should do Pink is alter your Curriculum Vitae so that it dosent show 6 months of unemployment that you have to then explain. I know its a bit of a fib but its for a good cause. Good luck.

[vangel]

I suggest you go back to your jobcentre, (presumably you have put in a claim) and ask for a crisis loan to tied you over until you receive your benefit, you have to list things needed for the week such as food, toiletries etc, do not list bills as they do not seem to think this is urgent. However I am surprised at the length of time it has taken you to sign onto benefits you say you have been out of work for 6 months, yet have not received any benefits. Also are you living a home with family or on your own as benefit holders can also get grants (search online for grants towards electricity and gas bills), they do take some time to sort out, and you do need to fill in a form, but they do pay a considerable amount towards these bills and can also help you with essential equipment such as a fridge you may need. I agree about adjusting your CV, also you can ask at the job center for the back to work schemes for people in similar situations as yours. However I suggest you sort the Crisis loan out first, it wont be a huge amount, but it will help you feel better so that you can focus on tackling the next step.

Also the job centre can give you one off payments towards a suit and shoes for that all important impression at the interview. Practise interviewing skills on-line if you can, and try not to get bogged down by any interview rejections see them as practicals for the "Big" interview. The more you attend the more confident you will become. As a sufferer from depression myself I know how locked in to your situation you can become, my suggestion is try to take long walks or some other form of phyusical activity as this really gives your morale a boost and helps you focus on your plan of action. Then you can list what your goals are for the day and tick off your achievements at the end of the day, this will also help you feel better. You will soon be back on the road to success and recovery! Chin up and keep smiling, your turn is just around