I know this is the wrong section but....

[lil75]

A friend of mine is living off of income support, she has 3 children and unfortunately, the father commited suicide, which is why she is on benefits now. She went overdrawn on her bank account on one ocassion, and since they took there fees (which were very high) she has since been in a vicious circle and cant get out of it, also as a result of this she couldnt pay her internet charges (she was with vodaphone) and the bill has now gone rapidly from £40 to £400 and they are still applying more and more charges, is there anything she can or anyone she can contact to help put a stop to this, TIA

[redcrx]

she should go and see someone at the CAB as soon as possible. There should be help available to her there.

[lil75]

Thats what I was thinking, i feel so sorry for her, she is now falling behind with everything else and is always stressed, the poor thing, thanks for your advice, ill get her to make an appointment

[ttfn]

redcrz is right lil - they have very professional people there who would explain how she should talk to her creidtors asap. They will advise her how to calculate her disposable income and attribute a % to any involved. In court it has been ruled that a debtor making an honest offer to repay a creditor at the rate of 1p a week is reasonable based on the disposable income. Sorry for her circumstances.
(p.s. lil - I posted for you today in Animals)

[ttfn]

^ sorry redcrx !

[lil75]

Thanks ttfn, I will show her what you have said and hopefully we will get this sorted, I cant watch my friends financial sitch spiral out of control, so will help her as much as I can, thanks again!

[ttfn]

You are very welcome lil. Do encourage her to see the CAB asap. She should get in touch with vodaphone (and the bank) straight away to explain her financial situation and ask them to hold any further action until she has taken advice. I wish her well with it all

[LoftyLottie]

CAB will do some of the work for her too and contact the creditors. They are trained to do it and there is a much greater chance of a good outcome if they do it rather than your friend. They know the ropes.

[ttfn]

I agree Lottie, but I also think time is of the essence if debts are not to rise. Some CAB's are very busy and she may have to wait a day or two for an appointment.

[sara3]

lil, there is a government incentive to get laptops and broadband into children's homes, which will pay for a year's worth of internet, and maybe even a laptop. I'll try to find the details. I know it doesn't help her current situation but may be of some help.

[sara3]

http://www.homeaccess.org.uk/

[joko]

speak to the dole...you can get a crisis loan from them fairly fast

[rowanwitch]

National debtline... can't recommend them highly enough.... free to use they have brilliant downloadable draft letters too