Halifax claim on closed acc, seeking FH

wwwigz · 9 March 2009 at 7:41PM

Hi,

I've read a few other threads on similar subjects, but none cover mine specifically.

I'm only posting here as I seem to have been stumped by my current account holders, Natwest!

I am claiming on a closed account with Halifax.
I am applying to Natwest (my current account) for FH, I sent them a request for FH to Which they replied: "We need some documentation"
I was gathering this documentation when I needed to call Natwest to clarify something... the woman on the other end of the phone brought up my details, and quizzed me about this and that.
The long and short of it is that the woman on the Natwest phone said that because I am claiming on an old account not with Natwest, that they could not classify me as in FH, and would not respond to any contact regarding said matter.
Being in FH is regardless of whether or not you are claiming bank charges, yes?

Now this seems very strange to me...just because I mentioned I am claiming on an old defunkt Halifax account, Natwest refused to look at my FH case any further.
I know I am deeply in FH, and just want this clarified by the Natwest, so as I can get my claim against Halifax sorted soon to help me get out of this mess.

Now that they've refused to consider me for FH (which I really am) - what are my options?

She did say to call my branch, which I will do, but seeing other posts, should I just call the FOS?
Am I being treated unfairly?
What if I was someone with £1000s of arrears in mortgage etc, who were claiming for bank charges reclaiming on an old account with different bank, applied for FH ? would they be refused?

I've kinda been stumped here, so any help would be very gratfully recieved.

Thanks

esmerellda · 10 March 2009 at 11:08AM

Have you charges on your Natwest account that you can reclaim?

Have Halifax looked at your claim under hardship rules?

wwwigz · 10 March 2009 at 12:11PM

No, no charge at all on my Natwest account.

I don't think they have, I'm not sure what you mean. Do you think I should get in touch with Halifax and query them direct about whether or not they can class me as in FH?

esmerellda · 10 March 2009 at 12:18PM

hi

I'm not sure why you are asking Natwest to put you down as in financial hardship if you arent claiming from them. You need to go direct to Halifax. If you have severe financial hardship like mortgage arrears/pending reposession etc then a closed account MAY pay out.

Unless you are asking Natwest for help sorting out your current situation - in which case they should do things like move you to a basic account, advise closing all your DD's etc.

wwwigz · 10 March 2009 at 12:39PM

Ah, OK, I thought I had to go to my current banker to get classed as in FH. I didn't realise I had to approach Halifax direct...
One thing I'm wondering - when I call Halifax up, do I say "Hi, I'm wanting to reclaim bank charges on an old, closed account, and need you to asess me for FH" ?

esmerellda · 10 March 2009 at 12:43PM

Write to them

wwwigz · 10 March 2009 at 1:08PM

Managed to speak to a very helpful woman at Halfiax, she directed me to carry on with my claim, and when I have charges claim totals then they can assess me for FH.
so, yes, I have to write to them.
Step by step!

Thanks for the help Esmerellda

esmerellda · 10 March 2009 at 1:13PM

No worries

catmiaow · 10 March 2009 at 5:48PM

Good luck with your claim with Halifax, you will need it if my FH claim is anything to go by.

wwwigz · 20 November 2009 at 3:23PM

Just an update of this thread for my own records.

I'm not pursuing FH at the moment, but have just sent off payment and a request for my charges and/or statements of my closed Halifax account. Recorded delivery.

Will wait and see how this is responded to.
I might take up FH at a further stage.

Halifax claim on closed acc, seeking FH

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