money issues

upinthesky

well here is my situation my partner earns 320 a week we have 3 children i get jsb of 129 which has now stopped! i have applied for the allowance but i don't no how much this will be or when i will get it

i have an esb bill of 400 and getting reminders to pay this or they are cutting me of and i know they will as they have done before

my sons communion is coming up next month and i have not a thing for it there is 5 of us to dress and i don't no how im going to do it it wouldn't be to bad if i hadn't this

applied for fis in Feb no word on that do you think the cwo would help me out?

mood

Making some attempt to pay the ESB (20 quid) might keep them off you back for a while.

Ring or make an appointment with the cwo. I don't know if they can help or not but maybe they might help speed up fis etc.

As for the communion could you borrow a dress form a friend/sister? Check out charity shops etc.

Sorry I can't be of more help.

LegacyUser

Ring around on the communion suits - I heard a woman the other day wondering what she could do with her son's communion suit, which had only been worn for 3 hours on the day, and never again. Shoes were included. You might get lucky, a lot of people are loathe to throw them out. Can't remember where I heard it, but I think she was advised to try donedeal.ie, gumtree, and the classifieds in the local papers.

Either that or try the Suit and Tux Warehouse just off the top of Grafton St, or in Balbrigan. They do communion suits - they MIGHT rent them.....(can I say that Mods??)

As for the rest, surely there are outfits in the your wardrobe and your husbands that haven't been worn. Or at least, haven't been worn often. Ditto for the the other kids. If you're really stuck, head for Dunnes or Penneys, and pick up a new top or something to go with something you already have.

RING THE ESB!!! I cannot emphasise that enough. You are among many who are having trouble with your bills, and they've set up payment plans with many other customers already. You are only harming yourself if you keep ignoring the notices and not talking to them. They will be far more inclined to help if you come to them and tell them the problem, instead of sticking your head in the sand so they have to pursue you.If you have any other debts or bills that are the same, contact the companies involved.

I don't know what you can do about the welfare system, sorry.....except maybe go and explain your situation to as many people as possible??

upinthesky

hi thanks so much for your replys!

problem with buying a second hand suit s my lad is 8 but he is a size 6 in the waist i know its mad but he eats and eats dont no were it all goes lol
was thinking maybe of buying a shirt and trowsers they wouldnt cost to much would that do or do you think they will all be wearing suits?

must go and look to see what we have that would be good enough to wear tks
i will give the esb a ring see what they say

whats so annoying is i heard the fis takes 3 months which will be approx 3000 backpay and i could do with that now kwim?

mood

Ring about FIS and find out for sure.

Maybe someone here would have a kids suit and be happy to give it to you. I know I would if I had one.

Joey the lips

I dont think the cwo will help you. Pay something off your bills. even a small amount.

outside that if you feel you have genuinely cut your cloth contact the svp

jomc

op i'm not sure where you live but barnardos in dun laoighaire were on the tv ages ago for getting so many brand new wedding and communion outfits. I know of a girl that got her wedding dress there and was delighted. Maybe give them a phone call and see if they might have something suitable? Just a possibility that you could get all of you dressed there, although maybe the whole family don't need new clothes?

StillWaters

Your local charity shop will have a variety of communion suits available.

In some cases they may even allow you take a few home for your son to try, so he won't know they came from a charity shop.

Of course they will also have clothes for the rest of the family, if you all want 'new' clothes.

Thankfully, I can afford not to shop in charity shops, but I choose to as you can get some amazing bargains, many with tags still on, never worn.

Also, lots of boys don't wear little suts, but a trousers/cords and a casual shirt they will get more wear from.

You are going to have to talk to ESB, they have a charter on dealing with people in arrears, but you must talk to them and come to some arrangement with them.

LegacyUser

Was in a similiar situ recently, go straight away to MABS!
They will get on to any of your utility companys and stop them from cutting you off.

Plus 1 on Charity Shops.

If kids are in school try pick up some work at all, even low paid while there in school.

Plus 1 on contacting SVP. Even meet them on your own in privacy, dont need to tell your partner if there to proud.

Next get to your cwo. Bring a copy of your partners pay slip, Birth Certs, Letter from dole office, copy of lease or mortgage, copy of all bills, P60s, proof that you were getting a payment, proof that you have applied or trying to do what you have been asking by the dole to get money and it will all get you processed faster.

Also be a few hours early in the queue before cwo starts seeing people, here in tramore I had turned up 15minutes later that the time he starts and i had to wait another 2 days to see him, he starts at 9.30am and some people arrive at 7am, if your truly in need you will.

Finally go speak to your school/church, explain your situation, its in there interest to have your child there for communion nearly more than yours. Im sure they have dealt with this issue in the past.

Remember your not the only one who has ended up in a situation like this, its awfull and you probably feel guilty and embarresed. But unfortunately due to economic circumstances lots of people are in this awfull position, unfortunately you have to make the best of it and ask for help when needed and keep your head held up high.

Anyone you approach for help will be there to help.

Finally citizens advice can also advise you on other things you can do.

I think your CWO will give you a payment every week while you wait for your jsa to start again or to tide you over till you do get work if you can possible do it with 3 kids.

ABajaninCork

I agree with the other posters. OP - Do contact the ESB as soon as possible. Put your case to them, and make arrangements to pay off the arrears.

They may advise you to put in a pre-pay meter. You put so much money on a key/card and you're only allowed to use as much electricity as the card will allow (i.e credit).

Otherwise, have you considered getting a payment card? I have one for the gas, and take the electric bill to the PO every week when we collect our money, we put a couple of quid on each.

Lastly, have you contacted the SVP? They might be able to help.

HTH and good luck!