Absolutely desperate-can ANYONE advise?

turbo.jet

Sounds like a great idea, certainly nothing to lose. Also carry on with the plan about the other bank account.

I can't see any info on the Post Office website about basic bank accounts. Are you sure they do them?

emmaface

That's what I'm trying to find out-no good putting all my cash there if I can't pay rent etc. I'm looking at the RBS basic bank account. I think I will ring them, the thing thats getting to me is that this would all be completely managed if they hadn't lost the sodding form saying I'm entitled to defer! The co op overdraft is a worry, as theyre going to take it away on the 18th gobbling up £100 of my benefit straight away...and I'm trying to appeal an income support claim...will this EVER end?

kerrirobberts

Emma, here's the MSE guide to basic bank accounts http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/banking/basic-bank-accounts
I would try not to worry about the overdraft, and try to get co-op to send you confirmation emails or letters of every call you have with them. I would also send them a letter saying "as discussed with such and such on date details of phone call" so that everything is recorded. I know they say "all calls are recorded" but having worked in a call centre, I know that if you get passed through, call from a withheld or other nonsense then they can't trace the call.

If it makes you feel any better I managed to get my £400 overdraft up to £2k via charges and interest. I spoke to my bank and arranged to reduce it by small amounts each month. So there are ways out of such messes, it's not all doom and gloom. Do you have an appointment with the CCCS to get onto some sort of DMP?

emmaface

I've got an appointment with a benefits adviser on Monday and have been given a budget sheet to fill in-difficult for me as I hate numbers but from that we're going to work out what I can pay-the main bloody issue being I SHOULDN'T BE MAKING LOAN PAYMENTS! *breathe*

The horrid thing is my little pet rabbit died a couple of weeks ago and I can't go and get her ashes from the vet as I can't pay the £60 for her treatment

emmaface

Oh !!!!!!-both basic bank accounts are with the banks I owe money to! What to do now?

turbo.jet

OK, so the loan deferral (or lack thereof) is one side of this, and the entire DMP, new bank account, overall debt thing is another. Try and look at them separately. I feel you have to tackle the former first, leaving you the headspace to then deal with the latter.

Regarding the debt, yes you can do direct debits with a basic bank account (just double check before you sign up as a formality, but Martin's guide in the link supplied by the previous poster says you can). Do this sooner rather than later to make sure you have time to make the change to the account your income gets paid into and time to switch your direct debits. Do some research on the chosen bank's website too, they should have a 'products' page which lists features of each account. The other thing ismake sure they are not affiliated with Co-Op. I think there is a link somewhere which lists affiliations. I'll have a look for you.

Then you can tackle the deferral. Yes, this is really unacceptable that you weren't granted the deferral based on wrong info that is contrary to their T's & C's, but you are far more likely to get it resolved if you remain calm and have a plan. It's happened now so while its infuriating that you shouldn't have made the loan repayment, you need to accept that you have and deal with it calmly.

Once it is sorted out (and I'd say only then), you can make a case for having any fees that specifically relate to that particular stuff up being reversed I'd say. You'd need to document what you were told, by who and when, and highlight int heir own T's & C's where this is contradictory.

HTH - TJ

turbo.jet

There's no 'both' - they all do them.

Who are your debts with please?

emmaface

I have £1000 overdraft with Lloyds and £280 with Barclays-both of those are being handled with the CAB and payment plans being arranged.

silkglade

Hi,

Just wanted to say you really MUST get a new bank account sorted so that you can get your benefits on the 18th paid into it.... Then Co op can't take it away from you or stop you being able to pay your rent and eat.

I also found that when you have a loan with the bank you use they will NEVER listen to you about reducing payments or helping you in any way.

They just do what you have experienced and TAKE the MONEY from your account.

Good luck, but please REALLY get the account sorted asap...... You should be able to walk out of the bank with your new account number to pass onto the benefits agency to get it sorted BEFORE the money is swallowed in your Co op account with reduced OD and loan payment being TAKEN again.

turbo.jet

http://moneyfacts.co.uk/compare/banking/basic-bank-accounts/

Looks like the accounts with nothing in the 'debit system' column won't give you a debit card,so no atm's or spending in shops. Could be a good thing if, like most of us, you lack self discipline, or could be annoying. I'd choose one accordingly.