Sometimes you don't know what to do, but burying your head and
ignoring the problem is not the answer.
It's an emergency. My creditors are threatening me with
serious action, what can I do?
It is best to get some advice straight away, for example, from
your local Citizens Advice bureau.
You can find your nearest bureau here.
St. Leger Homes also works closely with Doncaster West
Development Trust who provide a money advice service at various
locations throughout the borough. Find out more about St. Leger
Homes' partnership with Doncaster West Development Trust and
how to
make an appointment with an adviser. You can ring them on 01709
868880, or email them at fi@dwdt.org.uk.
For free information and advice about debt, ring National
Debtline on 0808 808 4000 or visit the
National Debtline website.
You can also visit the 'Now
let's talk money' website to find out more about coping with
debt.
Which debts should I pay back first?
It is important to understand the difference between 'priority'
and 'non-priority' debts. Your biggest debt will not necessarily be
the most important one to pay back first. For example, you should
not pay off a catalogue debt before paying your rent because it is
more important to keep a roof over your head. Go to our 'Different types of
debt' page to find out more.
I can't afford to pay my rent, what should I
do?
If you are having problems paying your rent, you must
contact
your local St. Leger office straight away for help and advice.
If you stop paying your rent you could lose your home. Keeping a
room over your head is far more important than paying off
loans.
Find out more about what you can do about rent arrears on the
Directgov website.
Do I have to pay back money owed by my husband, wife or
partner?
You will only have to pay back money owed by other people
if:
• You both signed the loan or credit
agreement
• You are a joint tenant
• The law says you have to. A main example
of this would be Council Tax if you share a home with your husband,
wife or partner
What do I do about a county court claim?
Find out what to do if you receive a county court claim on the
Directgov website.
I'm going to have my gas or electricity cut off, what
should I do?
Please visit our 'Dealing with gas and electricity debts' page
for help and advice.
Bailiffs have called at my house – can they take my
property?
The rules that apply to bailiffs are quite complicated and it is
always best to ask for advice if bailiffs become involved. In most
cases, bailiffs are not allowed to force their way into your home
and you do not have to let them in, but there are exceptions.
You can get advice about bailiffs at your local Citizens Advice
Bureau.
St. Leger Homes also works closely with Doncaster West
Development Trust who provide a money advice service at various
locations throughout the borough. Find out how to make an
appointment with an adviser, ring them on 01709 868880, or
email them at fi@dwdt.org.uk.
You can find out more about bailiffs and debt collectors on the
Directgov website.
I'm worried about my rent, Council Tax and fuel
bills
Find out more about rent arrears on the Directgov website. You
can also find out more by downloading this leaftleft about Rent
Arrears.
Find out more about Council Tax arrears on the Directgov
website.
Find out more about debts to energy and water companies on the
Directgov website.
You can also visit our 'Dealing with gas and electricity debts' page
for help and advice.
The British Gas Energy Trust is an independent
charity that can offer grants to individuals and families to help
them pay off money owing to energy suppliers, as well as other
household bills. For more information, visit the British Gas
Energy Trust website, telephone 01733 421021 or email
bget@charisgrants.com.
The EDF Energy Trust Fund can offer grants to
help people pay off their gas or electricity debts. To qualify you
must be an EDF Energy domestic customer (previously London Energy,
Seeboard Energy or SWEB Energy.)
To find out more visit the EDF Energy Trust Fund
website, call 01733 421 021, or email edfet@charisgrants.com
The Yorkshire Water Community Trust helps
people who find it hard to pay their water bills. Call them on
0845 124 24 26 or visit the Yorkshire Water Community
Trust website for more information.
Will going bankrupt be best for me?
Everyone's circumstances are different and bankruptcy may not be
the best option for you.
Find out more on the Directgov website.
Should I take out one new loan to pay off all my
debts?
This is also called 'consolidating' your debt. It can work for
some people, but may not be right for you and could cause you more
problems. Think very carefully before borrowing money to
pay off bills or consolidating loans.
Find out more about the pros and cons of consolidating your debt on
the Directgov website.
Where can I find more help and information?
For clear and easy-to-understand information about coping with
debt, visit the Directgov website.
For free information and advice about debt, ring National
Debtline on 0808 808 4000 or visit the
National Debtline website.
Download a self-help pack from the National
Debtline website.
You get also get more help and advice about debt on the
Citizens Advice Bureau Adviceguide website.