Sheffield CAB Debt Support Unit

The full rates for benefits in 2012-13 have now been published and we have compiled them into an updated benefits rates chart for advisers to use.  You can get them from the Resources page of the website - see menu opposite.

The calculation sheets for advisers to use as a template with the rates chart when doing benefit checks have also been updated and are available from the same page.

Sheena Hockley, the Financial Capability Manager at the Debt Support Unit was one of the keynote speakers at the the Citizens Advice / Nationwide Moneyactive Volunteers Awards on the 9 February 2012 at the Chartered Insurance Institute in Moorgate, London.

The Debt Support Unit produces several leaflets for its clients to encourage them to save money on household expenses and on consumer issues. These can be downloaded from here:

• Reduce junk mail and sales calls
• Save money on 0870/08xx calls
• Save money on your telephone and TV
• Stop cold calling using the Telephone Preference Service
• Finding a cheaper gas and electricity supplier (Citizens Advice)

Our guide 'Dealing with Debt: A basic guide on your options and what to do', is now available from this website.  It provides the basics on options if you are in debt; how to work out a personal budget; negotiating with creditors and, if necessary, the range of formal options such as debt relief orders, bankruptcy, and voluntary arrangements. An accompanying personal budget sheet can also be downloaded.

It also has a list of where to find free debt advice in Sheffield's advice agencies.

Further self-help information on debt and money can be found via the Advice Sheffield website.