Mr A got in touch when the responsibilities of caring for his wife while she was being treated for breast cancer and looking after his disabled son meant he couldn’t work. We gave him an immediate needs grant of £500 and put him in touch with a specialist money adviser. Mrs A is now in remission but caring for their son is emotionally and physically demanding so we’ve arranged a weekly grant and we help to pay the phone bill, home insurance and TV licence. And once a year we support the whole family to go on holiday.
Where to go for more help
We can refer members and ex members to specialist financial advice. If you would like to take advantage of this service then please contact us.
Getting the right advice
The Citizens’ Advice Bureau advises that you make a list of all the people and companies that you owe money to, the amount that you owe and then need to work out which ones to deal with first – priority debts. These include:
- Mortgage or rent payments
- Fuel bills
- Council tax bills
- Income tax or VAT bills
- Maintenance payments
All other debts are non-priority debts.
To work out your budget, write down all the money that you have coming in each week or month and use your bank account statements and/or bills to work out how much you spend on all essential expenditure, such as food and fuel bills.
Work out how much you have left and then contact all your priority debt holders and make an arrangement to pay them back. Then do the same for your non-priority debts. If you need help with this then contact one of the organisations listed or don’t have enough to make ends meet then contact one of the organisations listed below.
Debt and Financial advice
At PRS for Music Members Benevolent Fund we are used to helping members who are struggling to cope with the stress and worry of debt. Through our partners at The UK Insolvency Helpline we can provide you with free and confidential advice to help clear your debts.
Many songwriters and composers with debt problems do not know where to turn for help. The secrecy of debt often leads to further borrowing, making the problem worse. Debt affects relationships, work performance and health. The UK Insolvency Helpline Debt Advice Service offers PRS for Music members and their dependant’s quick access to a way out from the downward spiral of debt. They provide continued personal support to their clients, assigning each with a case officer who is readily available to help with problems or concerns that may arise. The service is completely free, confidential and impartial and members will be offered a solution that best meets their individual circumstances.
With The UK Insolvency Helpline Debt Advice Service you get:
- Reduction of multiple debts to a single payment
- Access to advice on Bankruptcy, IVA, Debt Management & Budgeting
- An assigned case officer to call for advice throughout the repayment programme
- Supported self-help if you prefer
- Initial advice is free - fees may be payable depending in the solution provided, for example professional fees or court costs
The UK Insolvency Helpline advisers are aware of the types of grant that PRS for Music Members Benevolent Fund can offer and will refer you to us if they think we can help to ease your situation.
Contact Details:
The UK Insolvency Helpline Debt Advice Service
Room 4, Gable House
239 Regents Park Road
London
N3 3LF
FREEPHONE : 0800 074 6918
WEB: www.insolvencyhelpline.co.uk
The following organisations provide free financial advice.
CCCS (Consumer Credit Counselling Service) or call 0800 138 1111
Citizens’ Advice Bureau’s Adviceguide
National Debtline or call 0808 808 4000
To make sure you are claiming all the benefits you are entitled to and for information about trusts and funds that can help in times of trouble go to www.turn2us.org.uk
other Music benevolent funds
Incorporated Society of Musicians or call 020 7629 4413
Musicians’ Benevolent Fund or call 020 7239 9100
Musicians’ Union Benevolent Assistance members are advised to contact their nearest office, details on the website
Other PRS sites
PRS for Music or call 020 7580 5544
PRS Foundation for New Music or call 020 7306 4044