Debt Relief Orders (DRO) - Information & help thread

fatbelly

Jonnybravo55 said:

Hi

Long story short. I got myself in to some big trouble around 2016. Struggling with my debts since then at around 29.5k across 3-4 creditors. August last year I decided to take consolidation credit to completely pay off one of them (5200 pounds ) and then use rest of the money to top up my current account in case of debit or any urgent payments. Im applying for DRO via CAB now as this debts are taking life out of me. I started this around February this year and still not made full application. I had what I belive is final meeting with them before they send the application and they said that due to prefferential payment I made this app might be rejected. How likely is this going to happened?
I never missed any payment in the past 

'How likely' is a difficult question.

What I can tell you is that in the past my team at a local Citizens Advice have put forward applications like this and they have been accepted.

Your intermediary is going to want to flag this up. Most applications now seem to be being made through the new DRO Hubs which may involve staff/supervisors who do not have a long history of applications (most f my team have been doing them since they came in in 2009). 

Once you get over that hurdle I suspect you'll be OK.

I can post the guidance if it's any use

Jonnybravo55

I start to worry now. They sent me an email after my last phone conversation with them:

"We have now started to put together your Debt Relief Order application. After reviewing all relevant documentation we have compiled a final list of debts for you - however, this appears to show that your combined liabilities are more than the £30,000 limit for a Debt Relief Order.

 

We enclose a copy of the list of creditors that we have created for you to check and verify. If you believe there are any inaccuracies for a debt you must provide written evidence from that creditor - such as a recent statement or letter confirming the balance - to allow us to amend the application. Please be aware that if your total debts are higher than £30,000 you will not be eligible for a Debt Relief Order, and we will not be able to process your application.

 

If this is the case you will need to return to your local CAB office to discuss alternative options for dealing with your creditors. If you have already paid anything towards your application fee, please let us know so that we can arrange a refund."

The amount of money they came up with was higher by 12k than what I owe. I sent them screenshots of my bank account and all other relevant accounts to prove that they are wrong but not heard anything from them since. They say in email that I only have 28 days to provide them with proof of my liabilities. I tried to phone them but the only answer I was getting was that they will add a note to my case so whoever is working on it will get informed but that was on 28th of April and I'm getting a bit concerned as I haven't received any info if my proof if even valid and ok with them. Any ideas?

RAS

Have you also sent a reply email to the address used to inform you of the problem?

Rather than phoning, have you sent an email marked "urgent DRO deadline" to that address ?

Jonnybravo55

I just sent a reply email to the one they sent me

Jonnybravo55

Still no answer from them and I don't know what to do. My deadline is on 24th of May

sourcrates

Don`t take too much heed of the 28 day deadline, you can still make another application should this one fall through.

Try calling them again, and insist on speaking to your case worker.

Jonnybravo55

Still waiting for response. Should I try to get help somwhere else?

fatbelly

A month ago, sourcrates made the sensible suggestion that you should try calling them again, and insist on speaking to your case worker.

Your case has probably been closed but you need confirmation of that. If you can get through to someone on the National Help Line they can have a look and tell you - even send a message to your case worker or their office supervisor.

The number is 0800 240 4420. 

Jonnybravo55

I called them. I spoke to lady who listened to whatever I had to say and promised me to pass all the information to my case worker. It was on 16th of May. No response from them since then. Phone call was about the numbers which they got wrong and way to high compared to my current situation. Is there any other place where I can get help sorting it?

Brie

Seems one alternative would be to sever your relationship with them and start all over again with another organisation.  That's assuming you can find one that has the time to talk to you (or anyone else they aren't already working with)