So what do you think about stopping all of the DD's in the meantime CB

Hi dx ... thanks for that. I too think 6 months would be better for Les and did actually see one of your standard letters last night, after I'd posted which used the 6 month period

Hi everyone and a quick intro from me as it's my first post. I am the friend Les mentioned in his opening post For 4 years or so I gave advice and help on a debt help forum but this was quite some time ago, a lot has changed and I'm pretty rusty. I do help people here and there in various Facebook groups but it's generally by offering support and directing them to CAG There are a couple of things that I thought worth putting up for discussion: As Les is concerned that he can't afford next months direct debits what about cancelling them all and sending a letter to each creditor explain why. Something very simple like: I regret to inform you that due to circumstances beyond my control I cannot afford to make my regular payments for the next 3 months. In the light of this and to avoid further charges I have had to cancel my direct debit. I should be grateful if you would confirm that this meets with your approval and I will contact you at the end of may to discuss paying the arrears and re-instating the direct debit. Please accept my sincere apologies but these are circumstances I neither foresaw nor could control. Plus a similar letter to the bank asking them could they also freeze the interest and charges on the overdaft. This would give Les some breathing space to put things into place and hopefully ease the anxiety and stress. Some of them may say no outright but if they do this by phone I would ask them to put it in writing so he can check back on here for further advice ... things like insurances may just cancel the policies My other thought was at the mention of entitledto.com and working tax credits but also being familiar with that site as well as CAG I know there is a section on there about Disability Living Allowance. That particular section is a bit of a minefield at the moment what with the introduction of PIP and I know from various groups that even severely disabled people are being turned down for Personal Independence Payment. I know Les' condition at the moment is very debilitating and wondered whether it was worth making an appointment with Citizens Advice Bureau who have specialists to help with applying for DLA/PIP. I'm so glad Les has come to you as I now know he is in excellent hands. This is a wonderful service you provide and I have made a small anon donation on Les' behalf