I'm a 54 yr old woman who has had 9 children. 20 years ago I was permanently on a benefit. When my last child turned 5 and off to school, I became a full time student for 3yrs. During study breaks and holidays I was offered a number of jobs - which I took on to earn extra income. Once I finished at Manukau Tech I went to work full time. It was the most freeing, self satisfying triumph that words can't explain.
Through my jobs I got to travel the whole of NZ, Australia and a four day conference in Canada. WoW!!
I had heard of ClearDebt in 2009 from clients I had worked in the community with. They had been using ClearDebt services and thought highly of them. I also had a couple of phone conversations with ClearDebt on behalf of individual clients and found them very professional.
I have 5 grandchildren (2 with behavioural problems) that had recently come into my care through CYF's. In March 2010 we moved to bigger rental accommodation, where the kids started at the local schools. I was receiving the Unsupported Childs Benefit for 4 of the children; however this was not enough for our day to day living. My working was crucial to meeting all our financial commitments.
The organisation I was working for restructured and my position was terminated in April 2010.
I was unable to get a benefit for 6 weeks but was able to get food grants, power paid and assistance to go to job interviews.
I was getting deeper and deeper in financial strife and getting more and more stressed. I knew I would need total money management in order to get through this difficult time. I had repeatedly asked WINZ Case Managers if I could use ClearDebt Services, however due to WINZ Policies regarding how the Unsupported Childs Benefit can be used this was rejected.
In June 2010 I finally started receiving DPB for the 5th child on top of the Unsupported Childs Benefit. Again I requested to be able to use ClearDebt, I was instructed I could forward the DPB to ClearDebt but not the UCB, even though I argued that it was for the betterment of the kids. I wrote away to Paula Bennett and Peter Hughes CEO of MSD requesting the policy be looked at.
In October 2010 I was finally given the go ahead by WINZ to use ClearDebt. WINZ contacted ClearDebt and referred me to them. I met with Alex in their Papakura offices in Dec 2010, and felt utter relief that someone was going to assist me sort out my finances. Alex worked through with me, my incoming finances and outgoings. At no time did I feel judged or put down. Alex discussed with me the weekly payments that would be going out, the creditors that would be contacted and negotiate payment arrangements with them, and how much was left for food, petrol, etc
Since being a client of ClearDebt and having the financial pressure lessened, I have felt that I am able to communicate more openly with WINZ and ClearDebt. For example, I needed school uniforms for 2 of the kids, and a car registration - I went directly to WINZ to ask for assistance - the case manager (quite rightly!) instructed me to talk with ClearDebt first, I found out that ClearDebt had enough money from my benefits to pay for the car rego and WINZ advanced payment for the uniforms. Alex advised me the maximum I could pay back on the advance and it was up to me to discuss/negotiate the weekly repayment with WINZ. For me it was total success!
My bills that had accumulated are being paid consistently, the rent is being paid regularly, and the kids are going to school clothed and fed - it sounds so trite but when a person is in that place of despair and hopelessness - it's hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
The light for me has been the regular reports that come from ClearDebt - I'm informed every step of the way of whats happening with my finances. I have gained from the professional support I receive from ClearDebt, and their willingness to adjust my budget to accommodate one off bills that come in - like a speeding ticket.
I am so appreciative of ClearDebts services; without them I don't think I would have been able to cope. Alex and I agreed in the beginning that email was a better communication medium - I can't use the excuse "I forgot" - as everything we agree to or any requests I make are written.
For me $12 is such a small price to pay for being less stressed about finances. I don't notice the weekly payment that goes out to ClearDebt - but what I do notice is my confidence is coming back, and I'm better able to deal with situations.
To ClearDebt, kei te mihi nunui kia koe - kei te mihi, kei te mihi, kei te mihi.
To ClearDebt, my eternal thanks for everything - thank you 1x, thank you 2x, thank you 3x.