Latest news with #financialdifficulty
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
I was working three jobs. A benefits calculator saved my family
Single parent Esther is one of 900,000 people who have discovered they are missing out on a benefit this year alone. A single mum who was in such financial difficulty she feared social services would take her children into care has praised the "life-changing" hack that revealed she was owed thousands of pounds in unclaimed benefits. Esther, a single mum from south west London, was juggling three jobs to support her three young sons — one child and a set of twins — aged eight and six. Two have complex needs and are neurodiverse. The single mum told Yahoo News she was pushed to breaking point, and was signed off work by her doctor. Left without a working washing machine over winter and dealing with skyrocketing heating bills, Esther was then told about charity Turn2Us's benefits calculator, a tool where she could find out if she was entitled to any financial help from the government. She then discovered she'd been missing out on child benefit, as well as the carer's element of universal credit — allowing her to pay off mounting debts and purchase a new washing machine. She has spoken to Yahoo News to highlight the "hope and dignity" the benefits payments gave her, she said the money has made it easier for her to juggle the challenges of work with caring responsibilities, challenge the stigma of claiming benefits, and how the right support allowed her to be more present for her children. 'It makes you feel like you've failed as a parent' The single parent told Yahoo News she wants everyone to try out the benefits calculator as it's "in everyone's interest" for families like hers to receive the right support. Esther said she does not want families to "reach breaking point" like she did, and get help as soon as they need it. "When I came across the benefits calculator, I was kind of making ends meet, like a lot of people do, until you just can't any more," Esther told Yahoo News. "I was working for more than full-time and looking after my children, two of which have complex needs. I was working the equivalent of 50 hours a week. "I was depressed, but I felt like I had a very practical problem causing my distress – I didn't have enough money and I was very tired. "There is nothing more depressing than being in a situation where you feel like you can't provide. It makes you feel like you've failed as a parent," she added. 'It wasn't just money - it gave my family hope and dignity' While her GP had suggested she looked at the benefits calculator, it was when her children's social worker mentioned it in a meeting that she took a look. "In December, the heating bills went up. The boys don't understand putting on clothes even though the house was freezing, the boiler broke, the food bank vouchers weren't working and the social worker came into my home and was like this is not conducive," she told Yahoo News. "At one point, I honestly thought the social worker would take my children away because I was worried I couldn't meet their needs. "I said that I had been put in an impossible situation. The social worker then brought up the benefits calculator." Esther filled out the online form, which calculated whether she was entitled to any support after asking her some questions about her income, rental payments and family. 'The calculator is very very straightforward. I think benefits can seem intimidating but the calculator just asks you questions even at certain stages and justifies why it's asking you that question," she told Yahoo News. "It's quick, it literally took me two and a half minutes. It doesn't cost anything and you lose nothing from trying." It was then Esther discovered she was entitled to child benefit, which she had never claimed, as well as the carers element of universal credit. "I was not just entitled to these payments, but some were backdated," she said. "I didn't realise I'd be eligible for child benefit, or that my role parenting my children with complex needs went beyond what a parent normally does. "Backdating means a lot. It meant I was able to pay debts, I didn't have to survive with a broke washing machine, which I associated as a luxury." Now, Esther is urging everyone to check what they're entitled to through the benefits calculator. "It wasn't just money; it gave my family hope, dignity, and the basics my children need. I tell everyone: you never know who might need that lifeline," she added. How do I check if I'm entitled to support? Benefits calculator provider Turn2Us said it has helped 900,000 people in the last year through its benefits calculator, who claimed more than £9.6bn in benefits support they didn't realise they were entitled to. The charity has urged families to check the benefits calculator, highlighting that millions in vital benefits support goes unclaimed each year. 'Our data shows that there is support available for many, but all too often it's difficult to find," Anna Stevenson, Benefits Expert at Turn2us, said. "The Turn2us Benefits Calculator cuts through the confusion. It's fast, free and completely anonymous. Just a few minutes could help you uncover extra cash you didn't even know you could claim. "We know it's tough right now, especially with back-to-school costs stacking up and household bills climbing; don't wait until things get harder - check now and ease the pressure on your family'. A DWP spokesperson said: 'Millions of people rely on our welfare system every year and it is vital that it can be accessed by all who need it. 'We promote benefits through public communications campaigns and provide funding for the free Help to Claim service provided by Citizens Advice to support people to make a claim. 'Alongside this, we are fixing the broken welfare system we inherited so it genuinely supports those who can work into employment, while ensuring there is always a safety net for the most vulnerable.'
The Sun
12-08-2025
- The Sun
Mum with money problems ‘took her own life while children were at school after GP found she wasn't suicidal'
A MUM with money problems took her own life while her children were at school after a GP ruled she wasn't suicidal, an inquest heard. Amy Manning, 32, was discovered dead in her Somerset home by her police officer partner, who had come round to check on her. 3 Taunton Coroner's Court heard the mum-of-two was in financial difficulty at the time of her death in January last year. But Amy had been working with the Citizen's Advice Bureau to get to grips with her money problems. The inquest also heard she was diagnosed with Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD) and had been using alcohol and cocaine before her death. Her family said the hairdresser's mental health had started to deteriorate during the Covid lockdown. They told the court she fell pregnant but "did not feel able to raise the child' while under emotional and financial stress and sought an abortion. Her GP said Amy had 'chronic suicidal thoughts' but was not considered 'actively suicidal' because her desire to remain alive for her children was considered a 'protective factor.' Susan Hawker, a psychiatric nurse with the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, said the mum was facing significant financial problems, had failed to pay her rent and had never paid a water bill. But she also confirmed she did not believe Amy was suicidal and said she was "shocked" when she discovered she was dead. Giving his own evidence, Amy's partner Sam Plumley said their on-off relationship was "difficult" before her death as she had begun drinking more and was struggling with her mental health. He told how the pair had been texting the night before the tragedy and had no concerns for her welfare. The following morning, he went to Amy's home when she failed to respond to his messages and discovered the mum dead in her bedroom. He said he laid Amy on the bed and "hugged her" while he waited for paramedics to arrive. Avon and Somerset Police confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding Amy's death. They also found nothing "sufficiently alarming that leads us to believe any criminal offence or anything undue was done by Sam". How to get help EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide It doesn't discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers. It's the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes. And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women. Yet it's rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now. If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support: CALM, 0800 585 858 Heads Together, HUMEN Mind, 0300 123 3393 Papyrus, 0800 068 41 41 Samaritans, 116 123 Assistant Coroner Stephen Cavell recorded a verdict of suicide. He said Amy had a good relationship with her family, was a committed mother and had a good work ethic but noted her EUPD diagnosis. The coroner said the disorder was associated with compulsive behaviour, which may have been exacerbated by her use of alcohol and cocaine. He concluded that under the influence of alcohol and drugs and facing financial and emotional stress, Amy made the 'impulsive' decision to take her own life. If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123. 3 3
ABC News
11-06-2025
- Business
- ABC News
Toowong Private Hospital's purchase of artwork off director questioned by administrators
The sale of a $300,000 artwork by the director of a company operating a private psychiatric hospital in Brisbane has been questioned by administrators investigating the company's finances. The administrators' report states that at the time of the transaction, the company N.A. KRATZMANN & SONS PTY. LTD., which operates Toowong Private Hospital, "was experiencing financial difficulty" and purchasing the artwork from the director "does not appear to have been to the benefit of the company". Administrators believe the artwork is still in the director's possession. It was not clear why the company entered into the transaction with its sole director, Wayne Kratzmann, in June 2024, according to the voluntary administrators' report. However, administrators said that before the sale "the artwork was valued by a valuer, and the sale amount which was paid to the director was returned to the company and offset against related party debts owed to the company". The report states there was a long-term loan arrangement between the director and the company, with $1.4 million outstanding. Preliminary investigations showed the sale may "constitute an unreasonable director related transaction", according to the report. But administrators said, "further investigations are required to… confirm if the consideration for the transaction was at arm's length, and if so, the artwork into the void can be recovered and realised for the benefit of creditors". The report said the company had faced "mounting financial pressures due to the increased operating costs in the psychiatric care sector, compounded by impacts of COVID". Administrators said it appeared to have operated on thin margins historically, experiencing increasing strain over the past five years. Net losses amounted to $4.7m from FY22 to FY24, and the company was unable to sell the hospital in mid-2024. The director anticipated in May the company was likely to become insolvent and administrators were appointed. The hospital was expected to cease all trading on Wednesday, with administrators providing staff with notice about the end of their employment. Administrators said at this stage they believed it was "in the best interests of the creditors that the company is wound up". The ABC has made attempts to contact Mr Kratzmann for comment.
The Independent
30-05-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Struggling mortgage holders warned fake loophole claims could worsen problems
Mortgage holders who are struggling with their payments are being warned they could make problems worse by acting on fake claims about legal loopholes and conspiracy theories claiming they cannot be held liable for their debts. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) said that people in financial difficulty and at risk of losing their home should beware of misleading claims that they are not legally bound by their mortgage contract. It urged struggling borrowers to instead speak to their lender, who could offer various options to support them. The FCA has updated its consumer web pages to warn people about false and harmful information. The regulator said it is aware of mortgage holders in financial difficulty being misled by online misinformation, often with serious financial consequences. Claims may use arguments dating back to the Magna Carta and people may also attempt to apply them to other types of debt or taxes. In a bid to stop their home being repossessed, mortgage holders may end up paying others a fee to take their claims to court. But, as well as being unsuccessful due to claims not being legally valid, people could also risk losing a big chunk of the equity they had in their home (the difference between the outstanding mortgage balance and the value of the property), the FCA said. This is due to increased costs related to repossession, legal fees and the impact these activities can have on the value of their homes. Even if someone cannot afford to stay in their home, their lender may be able to help them sell. This would at least mean that money left over from the sale is not spent on legal fees or other arrears and repossession costs. Greg Sachrajda, head of department in retail banking market interventions at the FCA, told the PA news agency: 'There is a risk that people who are in financial difficulty, and at risk of risking losing their home, are particularly susceptible to arguments that make things sound better.' He said: 'If something seems too good to be true, it usually is.' He continued: 'If you borrow money, you're required to repay it, and you only make the situation worse by trying to rely on false arguments which the courts are rejecting. 'We know people are desperate and can be struggling with their mortgage, and they may feel that things can't get any worse. But the reality is that unfortunately they can get worse. 'We've seen examples of people not only losing their home but also then getting less back from the proceeds of the sale of the home.' He said that is because lenders are incurring additional costs, which are then passed on to the consumer. Mr Sachrajda said that 'real help is available', adding: 'Our message to consumers is: 'Don't fall for these false, misleading arguments but instead speak to your lender who can help with real options to make things better.'' He said that lenders are required to treat borrowers who are in financial difficulty sensitively and fairly. Some options can prevent people from losing their home, by extending the term of the loan or temporarily switching to an interest-only mortgage, or agreeing a payment holiday, for example. In some situations, selling the property may be the appropriate next step, he said, adding: 'But even then they can help, because many lenders offer what we call an 'assisted voluntary sale' and that essentially gives the borrower more time to sell the property and the lender can help with both the costs of that process and also how to navigate the sales process to make that easier. 'And that can then help maximise the amount of money the customer makes from the sale.' As well as contacting their lender, people could also consider contacting a trusted service that can provide free help, Mr Sachrajda suggested. Organisations providing free support include the National Debtline (run by the Money Advice Trust), StepChange, Citizens Advice and the Government-backed MoneyHelper service. A spokesperson for banking and finance industry body UK Finance said: 'Struggling with mortgage payments can become overwhelming, however it's important to beware of advice circulating online which could put your home and finances at serious risk. 'It's always worth seeking independent legal advice before acting on information you find online, as understanding your legal position fully will help protect you from costly mistakes. 'If you're struggling with mortgage payments it's important to speak to your lender as early as possible, as they'll be able to offer a range of tailored options to help you. Lenders have dedicated teams who can work with you to find a way forward – whether that's adjusting repayment plans or exploring alternative solutions.'
