What to do about this O/D debt?

suzieq

This is my first post, so :wave:

Ok, I opened a Barclays a/c back in 1998, got an overdraft added in 2003, which now stands at about £600. I fell pregnant in June 04, at which point I moved everything over to my partners Lloyds acct, and continued to pay £50 per mth towards this O/D. Without realising, I forgot to change a couple of bi-annual DD's, and therefore went over my authorised limit. Barclays called me to find out why I wasn't putting any money into the acct, and when I said that I was on maternity leave (due to end this month) they said I had to call them mid-March to tell them if I was going back to work, and how much I could pay.

Now, I am back at work, but OH and I earn just enough to get us through the month. Can Barclays demand that I pay them any more than the £50 that I already am? I'm tempted to tell them I'm not going back to work, and that I'm being supported by OH (as we're not married, they can't touch his money, right?)

I am in the process of claiming back alot of bank charges with the help of Bank Action Group, so I should be able to pay it all off very soon, but what should I do in the meantime?

Sorry for the essay, and thanks in advance!

Suzie ~x~

ms_london

If you are going back to work, is there a reason why you cant afford the £50 a month? Could you ask them to reduce the payment until you get yourself back on your feet?

I dont recommend lying to them as they wont take kindly to this & if they found out they would probably demand all of the money back in one go (its best to have them on your side!!).

suzieq

Thanks MS.

I can afford to pay them £50, but no more than that, which is what I'm worried about them asking. Are they likely to ask for more than that?

ms_london

suzieq wrote:

Thanks MS.

I can afford to pay them £50, but no more than that, which is what I'm worried about them asking. Are they likely to ask for more than that?

I think if you call them & explain that you can continue to pay the £50 each month and will do so immediately, but you cant afford any more unless your circumstances change.

I am sure they will understand if you call them & are honest.

At £50 a month it shouldnt take long to clear it - unless they are charging you interest/fees on top.