There is always a way forward

If you were in debt when the pandemic lockdown began, the protections brought in by government, councils and essential services may have made things easier.  For a while anyway.  Now, with support ending, the pressure will be back.

Already the news is full of business closures and redundancies. 

Many more people are claiming social security benefits.  As job furlough schemes finish, there could be more. Unfortunately, the result could also be more problem debt as family finances are stretched once again.

At Citizens Advice helping people find a way forward with debts is a special service.  And there ALWAYS IS a way forward!   Check out a recent case Here.

Many people come to us with multiple problems, some existing before Covid.  This is a good time to get advice from our trained advisers about all the issues.  We can help to prioritise problems and sort them out gradually.  Or we signpost other organisations who might be in a better position to help.

Examples

Surrey people who recently asked Citizens Advice for help with a range of debt-related problems (names changed):

Jenny is a private renter who has missed rent payments. She wants to know how she can hold on to her flat and avoid eviction.

Anika and Gary have missed paying their Council Tax. They’ve heard that the Council could send the Bailiffs to collect outstanding payments and want know how to avoid this.

Tony thought his job was safe but is now likely to be made redundant. He wanted to know his rights.

Chris has fallen behind with her mobile phone payments. She relies on her mobile to search for and apply for jobs. She’s worried that as lockdown ends her phone company might demand the money or cut her off and would like some help to make sure that doesn’t happen.

Tammy and Ahmed have benefited from a mortgage holiday, but now must catch up with their payments. Could we help them plan to do this?

Mary is a single parent whose washing machine had broken down. She couldn’t afford to replace it and came to us for help. We were able to link her with a local charity organisation who helped out.

Check out our self-help advice on debt and coronavirus