Bailiff threats and currently no income - please advise!

Happy_Girl_2

Hi all, I'm new to the DFW board but I'm really worried!

I am about £30k in debt! It's made up of several debts, at different stages of default. Until very recently I was working part time in a combination of PAYE and self employed work

What I was earning was barely covering my rent so I stupidly hid my head in the sand and ignored all my creditors as I just didn't have any money to offer them!

More stupidly, one of my creditors is HMRC for unpaid tax and NI! They, and my local council have now instructed Bailiffs to collect their debts (the council debt is for council tax)

Realising I'd have to stop hiding and start sorting things out I managed to get a full time job which would give me £900 p/m over my rent to start paying people back and live on

When I received the bailiff notices, I phoned both creditors and made payment arrangements on the basis of my new job to keep them at bay

This is where it all goes pear shaped though, as 3 days into my new job my employers terminated my contract and I am now completely unemployed having given up all my self employed work to be able to fulfill the new job! I now have no income whatsoever, although have applied for JSA/HB/CTB and am awaiting my telephone interview in next couple of days. I was laid off on Friday so have acted as quick as I can

But what do I do now re the Bailiffs???? Clearly I can no longer meet my original repayment plan! The HMRC bailiff wants to do a home visit to discuss my plan in more details but I'm really really worried that once they come over the threshold they will just start removing my household goods!!! How do I approach this? Ignore the door until I get confirmation of how much benefit I will actually receive and then do a complete I&E and work things out properly? Or let them in and be totally honest with them? But if I let them in will they believe I can't pay and just start taking my stuff away???

I think ultimately I will have to declare myself BR but I won't be able to do that before the bailiff will want to see me!

It's all such a mess, and I know it is of my own doing but I can't sleep for worrying about this!!

Thanks for any help/advice

GeorgeUK

Not sure what you can do as it involves tax - i think there are different rules for that.

I would advise not to let them into your home - make sure all windows and doors are locked. They can come in uninvited through an open door or window as this is classed as "peaceful entry".

I would advise PM'ing Herbie21
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/member.html?find=lastposter&t=1277433

She is an expert on bailiffs and should hopefully be able to advise you.
She has this site http://www.bailiffadviceonline.co.uk/
which should hopefully be able to answer some of your most urgent queries about what you should do if anyone comes calling. It is usually advised not to let them into your house - for any reason (including when it's raining fire and brimstone)

good luck.

Herbie21

I am very sorry to hear the bad news about the loss of you job. This is happening to so many people right now.

The error that you made was that you telephoned both of the creditors. You MUST write to them to explain what has happend. I am sending you a PM with the password details to our downloads part of our website where you should find a variety of template letters that you can adapt and which should be sent IMMEDIATELY.

Whatever you do......do not....allow anybody into your home to TALK. In truth they will be looking to seize your good by getting a Walking Possession signed. You must avoid this.

Finally, if the bailiff he will also be looking to take the easiest item. This will be your car. As this will be vital to you in securing future employment you must make sure that it is secure.

Always remember that BEFORE a bailiff visits that you can ....SELL....GIVE AWAY......TRANSFER.....or HIDE any belonging including your car.

Happy_Girl_2

Thank you to both of you for your responses

I have looked at the website, and found the letter I need to send. I understand the need to send this letter urgently but I am worried about the I&E as until I have had my interview with the benefits people I have no idea what benefits I will actually receive!!

Should I send it today based on what I believe I am entitled to? Or wait until I know for sure and send it then? Do the benefits office actually tell you in the phone interview what your entitlement is or do you only find out once the application has been processed?

I've got all the doors and windows locked but am concerned that at some point I will need to go out! What if they are waiting for me to open the door and push past me??!!

GeorgeUK

They can't push past you. They need to be invited in or gain "peaceful entry" as i mentioned above. If someone is there when you are going out, step out and lock the door behind you.

RAS

Happy_Girl wrote: »

I have looked at the website, and found the letter I need to send. I understand the need to send this letter urgently but I am worried about the I&E as until I have had my interview with the benefits people I have no idea what benefits I will actually receive.

Put an estimate if you can do it - otherwise just put awaiting benefits calculation. It is more important to get it sent. Send it regsitered post as that will mean they have to sign for it.

Happy_Girl wrote: »

What if they are waiting for me to open the door and push past me??!!

That is not peaceful entry and you need to tell them so. They do know this anyway but if you are quite firm that a foot in the door or pushing pass is not peaceable entry, they wil not try to fool you. If neccessary call the police.