in my case--i had been caught in a familiar trap---forced to take a commission-only / self employed non-job---i was quite successful---but had to wait a fair time for any money to trickle down. so--i had no choice but to live on my credit card.

needless to say--the company i "represented" went under--and--my commission with it. i knew i couldnt pay my card debt--so i trip to citizens advice soon helped me out. the c-card company were very good about it. after the required number of threatening letters--the debt was passed to a collection company--who postured and demanded--but--as i rented the house--could do nothing. it took a few years--but eventually i paid it all off,--at a dribble a month.