Many people become worried about the problem of increasing debt. Here we suggest some practical steps that can be taken to prevent the endless circle of 'robbing Peter to pay Paul'.
Step 1 - Work out your personal budget
Check that you are claiming all the benefits you are entitled to, including Housing and Council Tax benefit.
Be honest about what you need to pay for essential bills such as food, rent, gas, electric, water charges, council tax and clothing.
You can download our Income and Expenditure form to work out your total income.
Step 2 - Contact the people you owe money to
Show them your budget plan a copy of the Income and Expenditure form and tell them about any other debts you may have.
Step 3 - Offer an amount to those you owe money to
This must be a realistic amount and one that you can afford to pay on a regular basis. It is best to offer a small repayment you can keep to.
Remember - avoid future problems by seeking advice early. If you need further help or advice with any financial problems, then either contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau (see below for details) or one of the Housing Advisors based at our offices at Kingsley, The Brampton, Newcastle-under-Lyme.
Citizens Advice Bureau:
Newcastle CAB, 25-27, Well Street, Newcastle-under-Lyme. Tel: 08701 264049
Or
Kidsgrove CAB, Claire House, Liverpool Road, Kidsgrove. Tel: 01782 786529
Welfare Benefits Checklist
There are a wide variety of benefits available and you may qualify for one or more dependant upon your circumstances. The following is a general checklist of some of the benefits for which you may be eligible to apply.
If you work:
Working Family Tax Credit; Housing and Council Tax Benefit; free school meals; health benefits - free prescriptions; free dental treatment; education benefits; Disability Working Allowance.
If you are unemployed:
Income Support Job Seekers Allowance; Housing and Council Tax Benefit; free school meals; health benefits; education benefits; Social Fund Payments - one-off payments in exceptional circumstances, such as a Cold Weather Payment or Crisis Loan etc.
If you are a single parent:
Housing and Council Tax Benefit; Child Benefit; increase health benefits; Income Support; free school meals; education benefits; Social Fund Payments (see above)
If you are sick:
Sickness and Incapacity benefits; Housing and Council Tax benefits; Income Support; free school meals; health benefits; education benefits; Disability Living Allowance; Social Fund Payments (see above)
If you intend to apply for any benefits, do so at once by applying to your local Benefit Agency Office (except for Housing and Council Tax Benefits when should apply to the Council). Remember that if you do not make a claim you will not receive benefit: SO CLAIM WHAT IS YOURS NOW!
Further help on how to manage your money can be found on the websites listed below.
