Q – I am in my early 60s with no dependent children. Although I am retired, I am the main carer for my partner. I have accumulated over €6,000 of credit card debt, which has become a huge burden and with the cost of living rising so fast I have no idea what to do. Where can I go to get help? Paddy – Wicklow Co Wicklow
A – Firstly Paddy, do not panic as there is plenty of help available to you. As you have a low income, a Debt Relief Notice (DRN – they can write off up to € 35,000) could be the right solution for you, assuming you do not have a mortgage.
Secondly, make an appointment to meet with an Approved Intermediary (AI) – these are a network of qualified debt advice professionals appointed by the Insolvency Service of Ireland (ISI) to deal with DRNs and are experts in the area of debt advice. AI’s include all the MABS offices around the country.
Check the ‘Register of AIs’ page of the ISI website www.isi.gov.ie or by calling the ISI’s information line 01 764 4200.
If you do have a mortgage, a DRN is not a suitable solution for you, but there is no need to worry as there are other solutions. I recommend you visit www.backontrack.ie for further information and remember ‘A problem shared is a problem halved’ so please take that step and get help. There is a solution for EVERY debtor.