HALIFAX Can they do this

debs30

Had a phone call from halifax today.I owe nearly £700 on an account (£450 of these are charges).I also have another account with them which my child benefit and income support goes into.Today they told me they had put a hold on my card(one my money goes into) til i make arrangements to pay off other card.Also said as i have a joint account with my ex they can take half the money out of it, i havent put anything into this from last year just my ex.Can they do this,I am worried they will take my money from other account and leave me with nothing.Is there anyone I can complain to as the person i spoke to was very rude and not very understanding told him i would agree to set up a standing order to pay but would not accept anything lower than £50 a week which i cannot afford.
Thanks for listening:mad:

real1314

afaik it's usually in the terms and conditions of accounts that an institution can move money from one account to another to clear debts.

Might be best to get an account with someone else for your income support or ask them to pay you by girocheque.

Comyface

Yes, they can do this. It's called the 'right of set-off' or something, they can set-off debts against any credit balance in another account, including joint accounts.

I agree with real, get a bank account somewhere else (a basic account if need be) and get your money paid in there. You can then pay the Halifax what you can afford. I'd also warn your ex as well. Get your name taken off his account (or get him to move his account as well).

siren13577

I'm sure you have right of appropriation first especially as it's benefits, there are rules pertaining to the acquisition of benefits, have a look here and send off a letter prior to your benefits being paid in:
http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/royal-bank-scotland/58339-right-appropriation-money-already.html

As previously suggested open a basic bank account, with the post office perhaps and recommend your ex close the joint bank account, you may both need to attend the bank to do this as it is in both of your names.

I hope this helps and you get it sorted, there's nothing worse than having the worry of your benefits being taken off you by the bank. Good luck

natweststaffmember

siren13577 wrote: »

I'm sure you have right of appropriation first especially as it's benefits, there are rules pertaining to the acquisition of benefits, have a look here and send off a letter prior to your benefits being paid in:
http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/royal-bank-scotland/58339-right-appropriation-money-already.html

As previously suggested open a basic bank account, with the post office perhaps and recommend your ex close the joint bank account, you may both need to attend the bank to do this as it is in both of your names.

I hope this helps and you get it sorted, there's nothing worse than having the worry of your benefits being taken off you by the bank. Good luck

Part of that link with regards to the "First Right of Appropriation" is wrong re he Social Security Administration Act 1992.
This is the wording of the FROA letter
"Dear Sir/Madam,

ACCOUNT NUMBER: xxxxxxxxx



I am writing to inform you that I am due to have a Tax Credit/other payment(amend to suit) of £xxx paid into my account on xx/xx/xx, and I wish to use my first right of appropriation for this money, for the following purposes;

Rent £xx
Utilities bills £xx
Housekeeping money £xx

I will withdraw the money on the day that it is deposited for the above use, and I would be grateful if you would ensure that any other payments out of my account do not interfere with this withdrawal.


Yours faithfully,


[signature]


[print name]"

HOMEMIX

They can and will do this. They took money from my husbands account and didn't give us any warning. The first thing we knew about it was when my husband went to get some money out of his account and he was over 400 short. Have your name taken off the joint account and open an account elsewhere.