Hi,
I am currently on Jobseekers Benefit and due to extra expenses last month I am unable to pay my ESB bill. The payment was due by direct debit on 16th Dec, which I missed. I telephoned them and told them that I hope to be able to pay it during January, and I found their attitude very hostile. At the end of the conversation, the girl told me that she would set the direct debit payment to go again on 13th January, and if the payment didn't go through there was no guarantee of continued supply.
I intend to go to the Health Board tomorrow to see if I can get a supplementary payment. I've never done this before so I'm not sure what to expect.
Has anyone else had any experience of this with the ESB? Would they cut someone off so soon? I remember many years ago I missed a bill and the next bill arrived 2 months later with arrears. Has their policy changed? Surely, given that it is an essential utility, they should allow more time?
Any advice would be appreciated.
I am currently on Jobseekers Benefit and due to extra expenses last month I am unable to pay my ESB bill. The payment was due by direct debit on 16th Dec, which I missed. I telephoned them and told them that I hope to be able to pay it during January, and I found their attitude very hostile. At the end of the conversation, the girl told me that she would set the direct debit payment to go again on 13th January, and if the payment didn't go through there was no guarantee of continued supply.
I intend to go to the Health Board tomorrow to see if I can get a supplementary payment. I've never done this before so I'm not sure what to expect.
Has anyone else had any experience of this with the ESB? Would they cut someone off so soon? I remember many years ago I missed a bill and the next bill arrived 2 months later with arrears. Has their policy changed? Surely, given that it is an essential utility, they should allow more time?
Any advice would be appreciated.