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This is my first time on ANY forum and it feels quite daunting. I'm a mum of five aged 24 to 5 (three are still at home) and have wealth of experience as a single parent (not by choice). I'm hoping that by sharing my problem, I may not only find a solution but that someone else will benefit through my experience.
My dilemma is with DWP. Over 15 years ago I took out a social fund and although I made an arrangement to repay this, no money was ever collected. Today I received a letter calling time on my loan (I never disputed I owned this money). However, I was shocked by the punitive repayment rate - nearly half of my JSA (I'm currently unemployed) every week has been clawed back!
I'm in total bemusement - how can I feed a family of 4 on less than £40 per week? My youngest has multiple allergies which I manage by placing her on a special diet. I'm frantically trying to keep my head above water (I've been extremely frugal) but now I'm at my wits end about how I'll cope. I wish the DWP could have waited til the new year and taken a reasonable amount. Worst of all, I wasn't even informed of this decision and it seems I have no right of appeal.
Any suggestions as how to tackle this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for the opportunity to share.
Sjoy
Hello sjoy
What a dreadful shock to suddenly be told this. You say you have no right of appeal.....I wonder who has told you this? The loan has been outstanding for 15 years so have you never queried why no repayments have been taken in this time?
My best suggestion is for you to consult our Benefits Expert, by clicking on the blue link and emailing them. I know you said there is no appeal but there may be something else you can do...such as get some extra income to help with your youngest's special food (worth having a look through the Turn2Us website as well for any grants available for this)
As far as I can see, the most they can ask for is 20% of your income, excluding housing costs, so if you add up your JSA, your child tax credit and your child benefit for three children, 20% of that can be asked for, so you should still have 80% of all these benefits coming in, see what the expert says about this though. Do get in touch straight away as they break up for Christmas very soon.
I also suggest that you get in touch with The Trussell Trust (click to see) as they run a network of foodbanks round the country...it sometimes takes a while to organise this so maybe you could enquire NOW so that you get the help when you need it, if this money is deducted.
Wow, I'm shocked by what they are giving you to live on. I had a budget loan, and at one point they put up my repayments (even though they were taking it out each fortnight) I rang and spoke to the manager, and it was put down again. Have you tried speaking to someone in authority? I do hope you get this sorted asap.
Hi All!
I really appreciate your feedback. I've certainly been galvanized into action by this advice (thanks Louise). Shortly after sending Friday's post, I contacted the Benefit's Expert whose response was also very useful. I've been trying to contact Social Fund this morning but they're extremely difficult to get through to. The deductions have already started and my greatest concern is that I'll be unable to speak to anyone before christmas break!
My initial reaction to this DWP letter was one of utter panic! I had just begun to applaud myself for my 'thriftyness', managing to get by without compromising the health of my daughter (she has several allergies including dairy, egg, nut, oats to name a few). As I can only afford to cook 'one pot' I have excluded these foods from the family diet - it's also safer not to store them, in case of cross-contamination. I've checked out The Trussell Trust website but would not benefit from their foodbank (if there was one in my area) as I would be unable to use many of the foods on offer.
I stumbled across this forum and out of desperation, decided to air my problem. I do have family and friends but in my circle I'm renowned for my ability to cope so ... people normally come to me! Now that I'm armed with some information, I don't feel so panic-stricken.
Thanks again, I let you know how things progress!
Hi sjoy, really glad that you have taken strength from Louise's post and took some action. Did you manage to get through to the Social Fund yet?
Hi
Hopefully someone will be able to direct you to someone who can help.
I had a budget loan, and when I went back to work (I was on income support, as I was a carer for one of my children) they wanted the balance (£349) back in one payment - which cleared out my bank account. They wouldn't accept my request to keep paying by installments.
I am sorry you're facing this.