Debt Relief Orders (DRO) - Information & help thread

cupcake83

christine.pearce25 wrote: »

Thanks for that cupcake. I phoned debt helpline today, and went through everything and they are putting paper work in post, but there waiting list is 7 weeks. Did B & E say how long it would take to complete with them?? thanks

Hi Christine,

Glad you got advice from National Debtline and they went through things with you, 7 weeks may be less than CCCS, B&E said today that CAB has about 9 weeks wait.

They didn't say how long but after I receive the barcode I pay then give them a call to say I've paid, we'll go through last things and then it will be sent over to IS. I'm hoping it will be no more than a week from today. I will let you know though.

cupcake83

christine.pearce25 wrote: »

Thanks. I spoke to B & E, and they tried their hardest to make me consider a different route, and after I told them I know what I want and thats a DRO, and that the debtline had advised I would be suitable, they finally stopped trying to convince me otherwise, and said that somebody from the DRO department would phone me back some time today or tomorrow. Also, debtline were extremely helpful, advising me that if I have any debts linked with my bank, I should open an account with another bank immediately, because otherwise my bank could automatically take money out of my account.

Good, welldone for standing your ground, if no one calls you from the DRO team tomorrow, try calling the DRO line on 0800 092 8004. Hopefully they will call you though, make sure you have all your information to hand like SOA and creditor names and balances owed.

Hopefully someone will be along soon to advise you whether a creditor taking you to Court would have an affect.

Jinxle

Hello all, first time posting here.

My situation in a nutshell is that due to the breakdown of my relationship and (what looks like) the imminent loss of my job (I work for a non-profit and funding has been cut), I'm seriously considering returning home to New Zealand after ten years in the UK. I was initially thinking I would have to go down the bankruptcy route, but DRO sounds like it might be for me.

I have approximately £6,000 on creditcards (mostly thanks to my ex, but lets not be bitter!), a personal loan with around £2,000 left to go. Definitely less than £15,000 anyway.

The only asset I have is my car, worth around £1,500. I would sell this to pay for my ticket home and the shipping of my personal effects.

So at the time of the DRO I would have nil income, and nil assets.

My question is about doing the DRO from overseas, or going overseas while the DRO is being processed. Obviously I will need to have sold my car and bought my ticket, otherwise I would have too much of an asset in the car or in the money from the sale. But I don't know how far ahead I should book my ticket, and as I will be jobless how do I juggle having enough money to live on for however many weeks with not having over £300 in assets? Can I get the ball rolling, pay the fee, and go? I wouldn't be able to afford to come back for any appointments etc, but obviously I would be able to phone or email.

When I get home I am planning to return to tertiary education and finish my degree, and probably work part time, so yes my circumstances will change which I understand I need to let someone know about, but I very much doubt I'll have more than £50 a month spare anyway.

Any advice gratefully received.

cupcake83

christine.pearce25 wrote: »

Thanks. I spoke to B & E, and they tried their hardest to make me consider a different route, and after I told them I know what I want and thats a DRO, and that the debtline had advised I would be suitable, they finally stopped trying to convince me otherwise, and said that somebody from the DRO department would phone me back some time today or tomorrow. Also, debtline were extremely helpful, advising me that if I have any debts linked with my bank, I should open an account with another bank immediately, because otherwise my bank could automatically take money out of my account.

Hi Christine,

Just to let you know that my barcode came this morning I popped out and paid it straight away rang B&E to let them know its been paid and was phoned back this afternoon. Application has now been submitted, I should hear back Monday so fingers crossed it gets approved. I'll be so happy to have a fresh start (once the 12 months have passed).

Good luck with your application.

cupcake83

Jinxle wrote: »

Hello all, first time posting here.

My situation in a nutshell is that due to the breakdown of my relationship and (what looks like) the imminent loss of my job (I work for a non-profit and funding has been cut), I'm seriously considering returning home to New Zealand after ten years in the UK. I was initially thinking I would have to go down the bankruptcy route, but DRO sounds like it might be for me.

I have approximately £6,000 on creditcards (mostly thanks to my ex, but lets not be bitter!), a personal loan with around £2,000 left to go. Definitely less than £15,000 anyway.

The only asset I have is my car, worth around £1,500. I would sell this to pay for my ticket home and the shipping of my personal effects.

So at the time of the DRO I would have nil income, and nil assets.

My question is about doing the DRO from overseas, or going overseas while the DRO is being processed. Obviously I will need to have sold my car and bought my ticket, otherwise I would have too much of an asset in the car or in the money from the sale. But I don't know how far ahead I should book my ticket, and as I will be jobless how do I juggle having enough money to live on for however many weeks with not having over £300 in assets? Can I get the ball rolling, pay the fee, and go? I wouldn't be able to afford to come back for any appointments etc, but obviously I would be able to phone or email.

When I get home I am planning to return to tertiary education and finish my degree, and probably work part time, so yes my circumstances will change which I understand I need to let someone know about, but I very much doubt I'll have more than £50 a month spare anyway.

Any advice gratefully received.

Hello and welcome, sorry I can't offer any advice, hopefully someone will be along soon that can, if not have you tried telephoning an advice organisation such as CAB, CCCS or National Debtline who may be able to advise you.

Good luck.

cupcake83

christine.pearce25 wrote: »

good luck cupcakes x I am finding this time very stressfull...fingers crossed I will get it sorted and work towards a really positive future, and I wish the same for you x

Thank you, I will let you know whether mines been approved or not, I hope yours gets put through soon, if you do go through B&E I really would advise on having everything ready to speed up the process.

Heres to a fresh start (hopefully).

rowdyp

Is the £50 surplus before or after debt repayments?

Thanks

roseymarie

Does anyone know what happens if your benefits go up and your on a DRO? In April my tax credits go up and in July I will finish paying a social fund loan so I estimate it'll be getting close to an extra £50....

cupcake83

rowdyp wrote: »

Is the £50 surplus before or after debt repayments?

Thanks

The £50 surplus is before debt repayments, its after household expenses, such as rent, council tax, housekeeping etc.

cupcake83

roseymarie wrote: »

Does anyone know what happens if your benefits go up and your on a DRO? In April my tax credits go up and in July I will finish paying a social fund loan so I estimate it'll be getting close to an extra £50....

B&E who I went through to apply for DRO advised that it income changes then to do a new SOA and if over £50 would need to contact IS who would then decide whether a DRO is still suitable. I was also advised that it income increases to see if any out goings increased.

Hope this helps, may be advisable to speak to organisation you have done/will do your DRO through.