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Craig's story

Published on 2 June 2021

Anonymous

Debt amount:
£19,566.12
Type of debt:
Credit cards, bank overdrafts, energy bills
Debt solution:
Write-offs/ Debt Relief Order

Intro

37-year-old Craig was made redundant earlier this year and was living on his credit cards when he came to us for help

Craig was already struggling with his mental health – he suffers from anxiety and panic attacks, and attends regular counselling sessions in order to cope. When he was made redundant, he found himself under a huge amount of pressure – facing an uncertain financial future.

To make matters worse, Craig has an ongoing gambling addiction and was very worried about racking up more debt. Thankfully, he came to us for support.

How we helped

We helped Craig fill out a financial statement that showed he had nonpriority debts of £19,566.12 from credit cards, bank overdrafts, electricity and gas bills, as well as a monthly deficit of £920 in his budget.

With that in mind, we advised him to make claims for Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment to help cover his everyday outgoings. We also referred him to our in-house Welfare Benefits team and suggested he obtain evidence of his mental health issues from his GP in order to support a claim for limited capability for work and work related activities.

As a result, Craig has already been awarded Universal Credit of £277.35 per week and is awaiting a verdict on his Personal Independent Payment. And following his application for a Debt Relief Order, his total debts of £19,566.12 have been written off too.

Just as importantly, we’ve referred Craig to Gamblers Anonymous – so that he doesn’t slide back into debt again.

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"Thank you so much for all your help in getting me my Debt Relief Order,” he said to us. “Your support and help has really made a difference.”

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IG11 7NB

T: 0800 808 5700

Monday: 09.30 - 17.00
Tuesday: 09.30 - 17.00
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Intro

How we helped

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