This area contains the following information about dealing with debt, managing money and getting benefits:
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Ignoring your debt problems will only make them worse. It is important not to ignore calls or letters from the people you owe money to (your creditors). Contact them to explain why you're having problems. The sooner you do this, the more options you'll have for solving your financial problems.
There are some debts you need to pay first before others because the consequences of not paying them can be much more serious, for example, mortgage or rent debts are a priority as if you don't pay these you could lose your home.
It might seem an easy opt out, but you may end up paying back a lot more than you borrowed and at very high interest rates. You may not be able to afford the repayments and the loan may be secured against your home, which you could then lose. If you are worried about debts contact one of the agencies listed.
If you are experiencing debt problems don't panic as lots of help is available, both locally and nationally:
Free telephone advice service for people with debt problems. The service also operates teams of outreach workers covering Hastings and regionally throughout East Sussex. Help available at The UK Insolvency Helpline Debt Advice Service website or call 0800 074 6918.
Get free, confidential help on the National Debtline website.
Contact our Housing Advice team for help and advice on dealing with rent arrears in Hastings.
Formerly known as Hastings and Rother Citizens Advice Bureau - use their Money Advice Service for dealing with your debt by making an appointment on 01424 721420 at their centre in 24 Cornwallis Terrace, Hastings.
This local charity gives free, impartial, confidential information and advice on benefits in Hastings and Rother. Visit the HARC website for more information.
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Download this excellent money managing tool then work out how much money you've got coming in and going out of your household on essential expenses like food and bills. Look carefully at your spending and see if there is anything you are able to cut down on. For example, you could shop around for a cheaper gas or electricity provider, or look at cheaper mortgage or insurance providers.
Credit Unions are financial co-operatives owned and controlled by their members. They can and are able to offer savings and great value loans.
Members are encouraged to save on a regular basis, however small the amount. You can do this at one of their collection points, by cheque, by bank standing order, or locally on a paypoint card. This gives you a bit of a 'safety net' for when bills arrive, or you need to make a purchase for white goods.
The Credit Union only lends money to Credit Union members, so if you think you will want to apply to them for a loan, it will help your application if you start saving with them as soon as possible.
For more information please telephone 01424 202651 or visit them at:
35a Robertson Street
Hastings
TN35 5HT.
We give advice, financial information and affordable loans (between £100 and £25,000) to residents who have found themselves with an increasing amount of debt. For more information please call 01424 446373 and ask for Brian or Lynne.
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If you are facing debt or money problems, don't ever be tempted to use a Loan Shark. They not only charge astronomical rates of interest, but very often threaten violence, intimidation or blackmail if you fall behind with re-payments. They may seem like a lifeline at first but don't be fooled - if you get into problems repaying the loan they won't be so sympathetic.
A specialist 'Illegal Money Lending Team' is cracking down on Loan Shark in Hastings and your help is urgently needed. We need to know if any of the following apply to you or your friends:
If you're an organisation that works with vulnerable people we want to know if you think the the following could apply:
If you are using a loan shark to borrow money or, just as crucially, know of any information relating to loan shark activity in your area, please:
Your information will be treated with the strictest of confidence.
Visit www.direct.gov.uk for more information.
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Everything you need to know about unemployment benefits can be found on the Direct Gov website but the following is a list of the main benefits you might be able to claim:
Go to our Housing Benefit and Local Housing Allowance pages.
Go to our Council Tax Benefit pages.
Go to the Direct Gov website for information on how to claim:
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For advice and tips on how to save money from an independent expert go the internationally acclaimed Money Saving Expert website.
For facts and information about financial products and services, including insurance, mortgages and credit cards go to the Money Made Clear website.
For the very best price comparisons on a range of products and services go to the Money Supermarket website.
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This page last updated: 20/01/2010