This guide helps with
- Understand what information typically helps a hardship request
- Know that a perfect or complete record is not required
- Learn how to put together a simple summary
- Understand how Merion uses this information
- Find free help to prepare your request
5 min read
You're not alone
Lots of people worry they need stacks of paperwork to ask for hardship help. You do not. A short, honest summary of your income and essential costs is usually enough to begin, and we will only ask for more if we genuinely need it. The aim is to understand your situation, not to make you jump through hoops.
If gathering details feels hard right now, that is okay — start with what you have. We would rather hear from you with a rough picture than have you wait until everything is perfect.
What you can do
A simple snapshot of your money helps us help you faster. Jotting down a few things is usually plenty.
- Your account or reference number from your notice.
- Your take-home income and how often you are paid.
- Your essential costs — rent or mortgage, food, utilities, transport, medical.
- Any other debts you are paying.
- A short note on what changed, such as 'hours cut from 1 May'.
Step by step
- Write down your income, essential costs and any other debts.
- Add a line about what changed in your situation.
- Work out an amount you could realistically afford, even if small.
- Contact us through the contact form or reply to your letter, and share your summary.
- Keep a copy, and let us know if you would prefer to talk it through.
Free support available
A free financial counsellor can help you pull together a clear picture and present it well, taking the stress out of the paperwork. Call the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 — free, confidential and independent. They can also speak with us on your behalf. More guidance is in our Help Centre.
Good to know
- You do not need a perfect file — a short, honest summary is enough to start.
- Income, essential costs and a note on what changed are the key things.
- Start with what you have rather than waiting until everything is complete.
- Free help to prepare your request is available on 1800 007 007.
FAQ
Do I have to send bank statements and bills?
Usually not at first. A summary of your income and essential costs is enough to begin, and we only ask for documents if we genuinely need them.
What if my situation is complicated to explain?
Just do your best in plain words, or ask a financial counsellor on 1800 007 007 to help you set it out clearly.
Will my information be kept private?
Yes. What you share is handled respectfully and in confidence, and used only to understand your situation and agree on support.
Still stuck? Our team is happy to help you sort it out.