I'm giving up, I can't do this anymore..

cmaria

i woke up this morning to a letter from my local council telling me as ive broken the agreement with them, i have to now hand back the keys and vacate our home. i got into arrears a few years back and have been slogging away at 2 part time jobs to repay arrears and rent. Back in august they got a notice to quit against me, but they said if i paid back €100 every week they re-assess and we'd talk further. I was walking on air at the prospect of my kids and i not losing our home. Then in Nov i lost both jobs in the same week but i continued to pay €100 even though i recieve €225 in OPFA. I struggled and i went without eating so my kids could and still paid the money.

I've been relying on some back money which was owed to me coming through and its coming this thur, so this is why for the last 3 weeks i paid nothing on my rent, i just didnt have it. both of my kids needed new shoes and school coats and i ran out of the turf i got in Oct so i needed to buy more fuel. But i thought it would be ok. No its not i have to give up the house ands there's no discussion about it with the council unless i come up with the total remaining arrears of €800. It doesnt sound like a lot does it? I dont drink smoke or do drugs, ive become pretty much a recluse from friends as im so humiliated about this. I cant eat or sleep from the worry of putting my kids on the street because i messed up again.

I cant blame the council as they have given me chance's to pay but i just didnt see any other way around it. My eldest son is in sec school and was getting bullied because he didnt have a school coat and his runners were wrecked, seeing his face every eve when he came home from school, hoping i'd have got him something just became too much for me. My kids were suffering because of me. im so so tired of fighting through walls. ive applied for 67 jobs since nov which isnt a lot but there is nothing in this town. ive applied for courses but they are either full or far way where i have to get trains at 7am and i cant afford that. i have no family to advise me and mabs were good at the start but the nearest meeting i can get with them now is the middle of april. but the council arrears is my only debt, so im not in as bad a situation as some people. does anyone have any advice? have you been through anything like this?

i cant do anymore and its my kids who are suffering, i dont care about me anymore.

beth-lou

I'm so sorry to hear about your situation.

Perhaps you could contact your local TD and ask them to speak to the council. They shouldn't be allowed to throw you out over such a small debt. I don't have any information for you, but just wanted to say I hope it all works out.
x

dory

Yea, best of luck. I hope someone comes along who can offer helpful advice.
What is next if you can't pay? Can the children's father help in any way?

cantdecide

Be sure and make as much noise as you can. I don't know who you are having to deal with but one officious twat being unsympathetic to navigate around might be all you have to do for now whether TD as suggested or supervisor etc.

Also, considering the budgets they deal with, €800 is barely a blip. Ask them to write it off. They are probably after doing a mail-shot to light a fire under the deadbeats arses so they might make you an exception.

Stay strong. You are obviously made of stern stuff but don't be afraid to be vulnerable and ask friends for help. I hope things work out for you soon...

VO

In irder to sort this out why not speak to your local welfare officer, they have descretionary power to help people out, also speak to your local MABS office as they can point you in the right direction. It may also be hlpful to contact your local St Vincent de Paul branch. At the moment you are far form being alone in finding it dificult to make ends meet but seek help now - not when the council arrive to turf you out

sammyv

Holy crap, you are having it tough.
You got to speak to someone straight away, have you contacted the council yet, no way are they going to make you and your kids homeless.
Contact your local TD, ring MABs and tell them its urget.
Just stay strong anf focused, dont give up yet, we can say all we want about the goverment, but they are there to help, and im sure things will work out.
Start contacting people asap....council, TD's, MABs, Citizens Advice...everyone.

cmaria

im sorry i could have stayed writng in my original post but the life has gone out of me after seeing it written down. ive been to my td and he practically told me firstly its not his area to interfere with council and tenants arrears and that i was stupid not to pay for the few weeks i didnt. secondly my kids dad is deceased, part of the reason im in arrears also.

im going into them tomorrow to tell them they can have the house back, if you saw me right now, you'd bring me straight to a doctor, i cant eat or sleep and ive aged about 10 years in the last few days. i cant fight this anymore, i just cant, im not a bad person, i was just trying to make my kids life's easier and all ive done now is bring a world of embarrasment on them now.

SOH32

I agree with previous sentiments. The St Vincent de Paul are a great resource. Worth consulting them. make as much noise about your plight as possible. local council elections are this summer so talk to the local candiates and ask that they highlight your situation with the council. No council will want negative press by threatening eviction.

Keep the head in any case.

Loxosceles

If you can't acquire the arrears from family as a loan, run to a family solicitor post haste and see what your rights are, and what assistance you qualify for, if you have no money you will get legal aid. Especially if you live in a council house and especially concerning the current economic climate. I really can't imagine the council throwing you out of your house unless they thought you wouldn't go to the media over something like that. With a solicitor, at least you have a wedge. And proof of all the jobs you've applied for concerning the hiring freeze every employer in the Republic has on now, until May, means you should NOT be kicked out of your house considering.

sammyv

YOU ARE NOT GOING TO BE MADE HOMELESS

Its going to be ok, you will get through this.

Why did you wait until tomorrow, why didnt you go to the council office as soon as you received the letter?

Is there a citizens advice office near you.

I hate to say this, and its gonna sound very cruel...but pull yourself together. You got to sort this asap for you and your kids.

By the way, have you been claiming everything that you are entitled to?

sammyv

You said you are waiting on money to come though on Thursday??

Will this cover the arrears??

beth-lou

Listen honey, don't give up now.
Don't give it up just like that. This is your home.
There are people out there in a lot more debt than you who are holding on.
Surely you can work out a deal wherby you pay back €10 a week over two years and just keep on top of rent from now on.
Get on to social welfare, social services, other TD's, your local newspaper. This is just not right. I know you are tired, but you can do this. I wish I had specific infrmation to offer, my heart is breaking for you and your kids, but don't give up so easily. It will be harder without a home.

It makes me so mad that people are reduced to this. Please ring St Vincent de Paul as suggested. They will be infinitely more informed and may even be able to offer you legal advice. You really need someone who knows their stuff to help you.

cmaria

ive tried contacting the stvdep today and ive left my no on a voicemail for them with brief outline and i'll stay contacting them for sure. Re the council, we've been to court already and its literally the singular most humiliating experience of my life, the judge was in agreement with the council as to the fact that they have given me chance after chance to pay up. but that once i broke the agreement, all chances were revoked, the council in my town have evicted 2 families that i know off as they are trying i think to make examples of people and to bring arrears down in general.

Thank you all for your helpful advice and thanks also to you for not berating me for being stupid and getting myself into this hell hole.

suitseir

In my job I deal with private rentals and evicting tenants is the last thing we do. If any of my tenants get into trouble we tell them to contact the following:

1. Citizens Information Bureau

---

google for your local office

2. MABS - google as above

3. St. Vincent de Paul are fantastic.

When you speak to any of their reps they will give you all the information that you need. At the moment, your mind is not clear enough and it is difficult for you to see a way out of this. Just follow it up asap. Your local TD if you can get him, is also a good bet. Best of luck and don't give up without a fight.

Shinners23

Ah op I'm so sorry to hear of your mis fortune. Its a heartbreaking story.... I don't know what to say only not to give up.. St Vincent De Paul would be who I would turn to... they would be your best bet..

All WILL be ok.

Carpaydiem

Seriously, as advised above, get onto the council, or a TD about the council debt. There should be no way they can throw out a single mother with children in the house.

Do you not get rent allowance?

Also, do you not get any maintenance from the childrens father/s? If not, you seriously have to bring the issue up, and go to court if needs be (of course assuming the childrens father is still alive and well and in the country at least).

I pay maintenance like clockwork every month, and support my child as much as I can - yes I split from her a mother a couple of years ago, but these things happen. I would in no way allow some father to get away scot free from supporting his child. Its just not fair, on you, or especially the children, when that money can help so much.

Best of luck to you, and hope you can sort this situation out.

beth-lou

The childrens father is not alive.

paperclip2

Have you tried the community welfare officer. They have access to emergency funds, afaik, and maybe could help you out a bit with the arrears.

Hope it works out ok for you OP.

sammyv

Stop beating yourself up, you didnt cause any of this, therefore nothing is your fault.

You are just going through a very rough patch, but you have been strong up until now, dont give up now.

So many organisations there to help you, unfortunately you have 2 kids to consider, this alone will give you strength that you didnt know you has.

Can the deceased fathers family help in anyway. Is there anyone at all you can think of that can help???

I know i shouldnt say this (nobody tell me off), but contact a Sinn Fein councillor, they seem to help the 'average' person. I have no interest whatsoever in politics or what a party stands for, but if they can help...go for it

LegacyUser

I'd ring Gerry Ryan. He will get something done for you

Darragh29

Can you tell us what TD told you basically to p*ss off??? I'd happily contact that TD and tell them what I thought of their attitude...

sammyv

Yes spill the beans...i could write/email him too.
These people have to pressurised!!!

Some people are totally scamming the systems, and getting away with it!!

And you are in such a simple situation (dont mean to be little it)...800 eurosin arrears, and you are ready for the mad house!!!

Fat bloody cats, make me sick!!!

Name and shame them!

auditek923

go to your local td and discuss this urgently

cmaria

ok to answer to some of your posts, yes the money i get on thur is €525 and im paying the council €400 of it as i need the other €100 to pay my sons's buses for month. Mabs cant see me till middle april as they are inundated with requests for help and im waiting for stvdep to contact me back.
ive just been onto council and they've informed me mt total arrears as of last fri is €1164 not the 800 i thought it was. They repeated that i have no more chances that when we go back to court the judge will not be sympathetic to me and i will lose my house. Ive contacted my solicitor and she has reiterated what council said, she said my only hope was to pay at least 3 quarters of what i owe. the local td i approached is based in north tipp so make your own conclusion as to who it is as im not saying it on any forum, where i'll get in more trouble.
I am claiming everything im entitled to and my sons dad's family will not help me under any circumstances. Thank u all again for your posts, hopefully your good karma will come my way.

Darragh29

cmaria wrote: »

ok to answer to some of your posts, yes the money i get on thur is €525 and im paying the council €400 of it as i need the other €100 to pay my sons's buses for month. Mabs cant see me till middle april as they are inundated with requests for help and im waiting for stvdep to contact me back.
ive just been onto council and they've informed me mt total arrears as of last fri is €1164 not the 800 i thought it was. They repeated that i have no more chances that when we go back to court the judge will not be sympathetic to me and i will lose my house. Ive contacted my solicitor and she has reiterated what council said, she said my only hope was to pay at least 3 quarters of what i owe. the local td i approached is based in north tipp so make your own conclusion as to who it is as im not saying it on any forum, where i'll get in more trouble.
I am claiming everything im entitled to and my sons dad's family will not help me under any circumstances. Thank u all again for your posts, hopefully your good karma will come my way.

Tell us who the TD is and I assure next time you talk to him you'll get a more understanding ear. Is it Michael Lowry???

EDIT: You cannot get in trouble for naming your local TD on here.

sammyv

look, if i had money, you would get it.

Im sorry you are going through this, makes me so mad!!! :mad:

Keep us posted.

Fingers crossed for you x

sammyv

Seriously, try a Sinn Fein councillor...very helpful.

Have you know dealings with your family at all.

How about friends...anyone that can lend you 500?

dory

Yes, I think you should give the name of the TD. Their job is to serve you, and this one is certainly not. Please tell us who it is and I will get my mob onto them (in email/letter form - nothing to worry about).

Ok so, 400 coming Thursday, that means you need €746, right?? If you paid that off by the end of the week would everything be ok? How are you on €200 and something a week, surely the dole, children's allowance etc, are more, and what about rent allowance, is there not a single parents supplement? I'm only asking here, because I'm not sure what's out there but are you sure you're getting all you're entitled to?

Keep posting up here for now anyway, don't give up.

LegacyUser

My heart goes out to you... please try not to panic...there is help available.....

Where I live, there is a man who works for Social Welfare and he visits once a week. A person can make a claim via him for "hardship" cases etc.... The man who does this where I live has helped my sister with her mortgage payments etc.... Do you have one of these in your area????

I also agree with the previous posts about contacting St Vincent De Paul... they will definitely help you!!

I would also go to another, more understanding and down to earth TD or local representative!

You are a very strong and courageous person coming on this website to ask for help.... well done!!! You are a brilliant mother for putting yourself first!!!!

Don't give up.... x

sammyv

PM us his name instead.

I fed up of everything that is going on in this country at the minute.

Im so mad right now, need to do something

holly1

Oh my god I am shaking with rage that you are being treated so badley.Have you got at least one friend who would just be there for you.Name and shame that TD,I will also email him.Please please dont give up,I would give it to you myself if I had it.
Ring Gerry Ryan or Joe Duffy make your voice heard.I hope this is making sence,but Im so mad I cant put the words together.Please keep in touch.

LegacyUser

Right, firstly, fair play to you for bringing up two children on your own. I for one have great admiration for you.

Secondly, I really admire your attitude. You've done your very best to sort this situation out despite how difficult it unquestionably is.

Now you need to gather just a little bit more of the strength you've already shown for a couple of more days of a fight.

Ring and email all of the TDs for your constituency. The one you have already spoken to gave you the brush off but you've nothing to loose in going back to him/her and saying that you need their help. Call AND mail them. Use the phone because it is immediate and email because it leaves a record of their action or inaction. Try both their constituency and the Oirechtas offices. Tell the whole story to the person you speak with and ask them what address to send the email to. Tell them you need to speak to the council within 24 hours and ask them when they will come back.

Get down to the local Community Welfare Officer's clinic tomorrow morning. Don't be proud. We all (including you when you were working) pay taxes and PRSI and you are absolutely entitled to ask for help. Make sure you are getting every cent to which you are entitled. Also ask the CWO who else might be able to help you.

Get onto the SVP, as suggested earlier. If you can't get a response, don't wait for them to call you back. Ring their national head-office. If you're worried about all the calls ask people to call you back - again - we're funding all of these bodies and people.

Look on www.flac.ie to get free legal advice. If there isn't a clinic close to you phone them and ask for some advice.

Then think about who else in the local community can stand with you. Talk to your childrens' headteachers and their school chaplain. Let them know what is going on. At the very least they can look out for your kids and help you minimise the effect on them.

If I had €800 I'd give it to you myself but the bottom line is that you are playing the most important role in our society by raising your kids properly. And you're doing it all on your own. When jobs were there you worked and paid your way. Now that the economy is in the crapper (and I'm not going into who is to blame for that) you need a hand. You are entitled to some assistance and deserve it so don't be too proud to take it.

Fight for another couple of days and I am sure you will get the help you need and you will not loose your home. I know it's tough and you must feel battered into the ground but this is too important to give up and it is winnable. I promise you. If you can get through the next few days and insist on the practical, financial and emotional support you need and deserve, this will be sorted out soon.

Good luck darling, and well done.

K

dory

Yea, if you're not going to post it publicly then please PM me the name also.

Don't hand back the keys yet, OP. When is this threatened eviction going to happen? Will they give you til the end of the week?

Darragh29

dory wrote: »

Yes, I think you should give the name of the TD. Their job is to serve you, and this one is certainly not. Please tell us who it is and I will get my mob onto them (in email/letter form - nothing to worry about).

Ok so, 400 coming Thursday, that means you need €746, right?? If you paid that off by the end of the week would everything be ok? How are you on €200 and something a week, surely the dole, children's allowance etc, are more, and what about rent allowance, is there not a single parents supplement? I'm only asking here, because I'm not sure what's out there but are you sure you're getting all you're entitled to?

Keep posting up here for now anyway, don't give up.

Orls81 wrote: »

PM us his name instead.

I fed up of everything that is going on in this country at the minute.

Im so mad right now, need to do something

holly1 wrote: »

Oh my god I am shaking with rage that you are being treated so badley.Have you got at least one friend who would just be there for you.Name and shame that TD,I will also email him.Please please dont give up,I would give it to you myself if I had it.
Ring Gerry Ryan or Joe Duffy make your voice heard.I hope this is making sence,but Im so mad I cant put the words together.Please keep in touch.

+1. Put that c*nts name up here and we'll teach him some humility.

sammyv

We are the tax payers, we should have a say.

We have sat around and let this happen too much. All these people with the comfy jobs, in the comfy offices making these decisions that could ruin peoples lives.

All these big bankers....600k pensions per year!!!

TD's that dont give a fiddlers fart about people.

Goverments telling us how to live our lives.

Im sick of it, i no longer want to be part of this society!!!

MonicaBing

Jesus christ almighty, i am sick sick sick of this country right now. This is the 2nd such post I've read in the last week alone about single parents getting evicted from homes by bank/council. There are **** out there drinking and drugging and they get everything into their bloody sweaty hands by councils and CWO'S, yet the decent ones amongst us get continually shafted. Sweetie i am so bloody sorry to hear about your plight, but to the other postee's i think the crux of the matter now is not who her TD is but to try and advise her immediate problem. If it is MLowry then your gonna be waiting a long time before that lad helps you. Are you from my hometown Op? As he's a TD here? Please pm if you prefer not to post. I know your stressing, actually i dont, i cant imagine to begin thinking what your going through but persevere please.

The other poster re getting evicted by bank had a good result as i hope and pray you will. If its the town council i think ur talking about, (i wont say as i think you'd prefer i didnt), then she is right about them taking loads of people to court over arrears and evicting them, something got to do with the council needing the money (bless them eh?)...Am wishing you all the luck in the world girl, please let us know how you get on..:)

dory

Too true Orls.

There's so much anger here. If she gives out the TD's name, hell will break loose at 9am tomorrow morning.

sammyv

No it is to do with the TD's, they are meant to be our public representives, the public voted them in, i should when they are asked for help, that they point the person in the right direction, instead of making there situation seem worse.

We have given her all the advise possible. But anger has set in now, and i hope she gets angry too...might give her the motivation to fight this, and make her feel like it was her fault!

miaowsky

Ah jesus this is awful! How dare they treat you like this? FFS this government is gone to the dogs.
I say name that TD and we'll all inundate him with emails and letters, lazy fecker, not helping his constituents.

Keep the head up girl, you'll get through this xx

sammyv

sorry...not her fault!!!!!!!!

Darragh29

dory wrote: »

Too true Orls.

There's so much anger here. If she gives out the TD's name, hell will break loose at 9am tomorrow morning.

I'll personally get in my car now and pay him a visit if I know who it is. This government is driving around with pallets of cash for the banks and people living in poverty and in absolute dispair not knowing what to do and a TD says to them that they are on their own!?!?!?!

The same lad is probably claiming more in unvouched expenses every single day than the OP is looking at in arrears...

Call Me Jimmy

cmaria wrote: »

i woke up this morning to a letter from my local council telling me as ive broken the agreement with them, i have to now hand back the keys and vacate our home. i got into arrears a few years back and have been slogging away at 2 part time jobs to repay arrears and rent. Back in august they got a notice to quit against me, but they said if i paid back €100 every week they re-assess and we'd talk further. I was walking on air at the prospect of my kids and i not losing our home. Then in Nov i lost both jobs in the same week but i continued to pay €100 even though i recieve €225 in OPFA. I struggled and i went without eating so my kids could and still paid the money.

I've been relying on some back money which was owed to me coming through and its coming this thur, so this is why for the last 3 weeks i paid nothing on my rent, i just didnt have it. both of my kids needed new shoes and school coats and i ran out of the turf i got in Oct so i needed to buy more fuel. But i thought it would be ok. No its not i have to give up the house ands there's no discussion about it with the council unless i come up with the total remaining arrears of €800. It doesnt sound like a lot does it? I dont drink smoke or do drugs, ive become pretty much a recluse from friends as im so humiliated about this. I cant eat or sleep from the worry of putting my kids on the street because i messed up again.

I cant blame the council as they have given me chance's to pay but i just didnt see any other way around it. My eldest son is in sec school and was getting bullied because he didnt have a school coat and his runners were wrecked, seeing his face every eve when he came home from school, hoping i'd have got him something just became too much for me. My kids were suffering because of me. im so so tired of fighting through walls. ive applied for 67 jobs since nov which isnt a lot but there is nothing in this town. ive applied for courses but they are either full or far way where i have to get trains at 7am and i cant afford that. i have no family to advise me and mabs were good at the start but the nearest meeting i can get with them now is the middle of april. but the council arrears is my only debt, so im not in as bad a situation as some people. does anyone have any advice? have you been through anything like this?

i cant do anymore and its my kids who are suffering, i dont care about me anymore.

That's terrible, you're one of the good guys ffs. There's people being housed by the government who do nothing all day every day, turns my stomach. I hope it gets sorted. As others have said, try and talk to your local TD, surely he/she will be sympathetic.
Good luck.

dory

smileyeyes76 wrote: »

My heart goes out to you... please try not to panic...there is help available.....

Where I live, there is a man who works for Social Welfare and he visits once a week. A person can make a claim via him for "hardship" cases etc.... The man who does this where I live has helped my sister with her mortgage payments etc.... Do you have one of these in your area????

I also agree with the previous posts about contacting St Vincent De Paul... they will definitely help you!!

I would also go to another, more understanding and down to earth TD or local representative!

You are a very strong and courageous person coming on this website to ask for help.... well done!!! You are a brilliant mother for putting yourself first!!!!

Don't give up.... x

I want to quote this reply as it got shafted back to page two when it was waiting to be cleared by a moderator. find out if there is one oof those people OP!

holly1

PM me with the name and I promise you I will email him/her.

sammyv

Ok, the OP wanted practical advice, and i think she got alot...hopefully this has helped her.

But this has definately provoked a great deal of anger among everyone.

Maybe this is a chance for us all to make a stand, and start questioning things, questioning what TD's actually do, question the current social welfare system, question the councils, questions made about decisions.

Yes, its not just to do with the TD, but its a start.

If i could help just one person, then i would be happy. So..OP if there is anything i can do, just let me know. I can write as many emails and letters thats needed, and i can ring as many people as possible.

dory

Orls81 wrote: »

Ok, the OP wanted practical advice, and i think she got alot...hopefully this has helped her.

But this has definately provoked a great deal of anger among everyone.

Maybe this is a chance for us all to make a stand, and start questioning things, questioning what TD's actually do, question the current social welfare system, question the councils, questions made about decisions.

Yes, its not just to do with the TD, but its a start.

If i could help just one person, then i would be happy. So..OP if there is anything i can do, just let me know. I can write as many emails and letters thats needed, and i can ring as many people as possible.

Yea, I had written the same thing earlier but deleted it as thought it was a bit off topic but seriously, we should try do something. I would like to create a website with real people's stories and all the practical advice from here on it. And a forum especially for people who have been screwed over but by the recession. Recession support group! But that's for another thread I suppose.

LegacyUser

I can't believe they will evict you this is insane --- you need to speak to all the councillors in your area the local elections are on in June and if they want your vote they need to help.. if not ring your local paper or at least threaten them with it they will not want the publicity(the cllrs that is)..

I work for a local authority and we have tenants with arrears far in excess of yours and we have never in my 3 years here went to a solicitior... our councillors would be down on us like a tonne of bricks!!!!!

I heard years ago they issued a notice to quit to tenants no sooner had they done it and the cllrs quashed it so it can be done!! You just need to speak to the right one.. Tell them to use there powers under Section 140 if they have too...

sammyv

Yes, it is off the topic, but i cant help it, im so angry, when you hear these real stories, it really gets to me.
Here is a woman with 2 children, and they are threating her.

The town i live in is full of winos...yes god love them...blah blah, they were given houses by the council, and none of them actually live in them....imagine, houses just going to wastes. then there was a shelter built for them...just incase they didnt feel like going home, couldnt have them living on the street!! But its ok for a family to be f**ked on to the street.

Bugnut

Fair dues Orls 81, your right it is time to take a stand.
Its time for a responsability revolution - we are all guilty of the mess we are in.
We are all the Oil Companies - we pay them every day!
The government is the one we deserve - at one time they reflected our views and wishes.
Everyone still hopes for you to get to the "right " TD or Councillor to sort it out but it is us that really have the power.
Writing letters etc is all fine and maybe it might help but most probably not.

I'm starting with a revolutionary idea.

I'm unempleyed, not getting any benefit but I will pledge 50 euros which can be paid directly to the council ( if you give us the bank details)
I know I can't do much alone but if others can turn their anger into action something great can happen.
You can PM anyone with the details.

Anyone else?

holly1

Im with you.

sammyv

You can count me in too