CAB suggested DRO

25.lindsay

I had an appointment about 3 weeks ago with my legal aid department of CAB and was suggested a DRO would be in order for me, but to act quick as I am at £13k at present, interest and late payment fees will soon pile up. I have yet to hear back, was told some info would be in the post to read up on and understand. I rung about 10 days ago and was told it was "in hand" by a colleague. Now I don't want to pester the CAB as I know they are exremely busy people, but the letters and phone calls are starting and I am keen to get things moving soon and set up those token payments to freeze things whilst the DRO part falls into place.

Also, I will soon be moving (as current property has issues and EHO are involved), and in receipt of mat allowence, and will be receiving the £500 Sure Start Mat grant (is this an asset? Should I get it paid to my hubby's account instead?) - should I wait till after the move and re-do the SOA with the CAB, or try to get things a moving sooner?

Any advice would be appreciated.

fatbelly

Hi Lindsay

£500 in your bank account would be an asset and would take you over the limit.

You have to declare what is in your account on the day the DRO is submitted (technically I think on the day it is decided, which would be the following day)

Did the CAB actually say that they were taking you on for a DRO? In that case they should have given you the official guide and a barcode and also have got you to complete a free Experian request form. I try to do all this on the first interview. It's not like it takes a long time.

Experian can sometimes be funny about sending out reports if they do not recognise you as being at the address you are declaring, and it would be risky to submit a DRO without checking Experian.

So in your situation I'd want to get the ball rolling quickly, particularly as 13k is getting near the limit. But I wouldn't bother about token payments - waste of time.

25.lindsay

Was led to believe, yes they were taking me on, and I would be getting info out in regarding what is a DRO, and what I need to do and send back to them. i.e. experian was mentioned (so I have already done these last week myself online - just need to return these to CAB - but was kind of waiting for the info I was promised in case there was anything else I need to return/sign/complete) I just want to get things moving prior to the move and enjoy the new home - wasn't sure if I was being impatient with the CAB or not - I shall give them another call tomorrow.

Thank you

blind-as-a-bat_2

Can i just add, did they mention serp's or pensions at all, just being cautious;)

25.lindsay

I don't have a pension at all! I know tut tut, but for once its probably just as well!

We currently paying out less than £500 a month on rent, but this will go up when we move in the spring to £650 a month, and at present I am not earning as I lost/quit my job (mutal feelings there) to look after kiddie No1, so when I start receiving maternity allowence will be an extra £400 - £500 a month to what we are bringing in now - will this confuse things if I apply sooner rather than later???

blind-as-a-bat_2

But did you opt out of serps (if your old enough:o) It is a sticky point in DRO's, hoping word has got round CAB, but no harm making sure;)

25.lindsay

I'm 33 and started full time employment after uni in 1998, and have never paid into a pension scheme just the usual NI contributions.